What we are really eating... at least in the U.S.

[Eddie]

Eddie, I just planted a fall garden. What kinds of greens do you grow? I'm in a warmer climate though, in Texas. The bugs just ate all my lettuce plants. I still have spinach, chard, and cabbage though. And of course bountiful wild greens like dandelions.

My cousin from Fort Worth was just up visiting, and he was so impressed with my greens, he ordered some to plant in my uncle's garden. He's certain you can grow them in Texas. You may need to water them more than I do, but they are very easy to grow in nearly any soil. Planting is easy, too....you just sprinkle the seed on bare ground! All these are from Territorial Seed Company.

Wild Garden Mustards

Kyoto Mizuna

Tah Tsai

Ruby Streaks

Now, anywhere south of the Pacific Northwest or the Great Lakes region, these are strictly Fall-Winter greens. If you try to plant them in the spring in Texas, they'll bolt and wither before they get big. They like cool weather and can withstand surprisingly cold weather before wilting (last year, they didn't die until the temperature got down to 10 degrees F). Where you live, they'll probably grow all winter long.

That last one, Ruby Streaks, is pretty spicy, like wasabe. I usually mix them with other greens for a smoothie, rather than using them alone, although my cousin was so taken with them he'll have them straight.