[Characteristics of rape flowers and how to preserve and arrange them] Get ahead of spring! Introducing rape flowers that allow you to enjoy the whole season

What is the "rape blossom" that announces spring? A seasonal taste that is pleasant to bittersweet

When you hear the word "rape blossoms," what kind of scenery do you think of first? Many people probably have the image of a yellow carpet spreading all over the place, a soft, soft scent of spring.

In fact, the rape flowers that are lined up at supermarkets are picked from the pre-blood stages (buds and flower stems) of vegetables from the cruciferous family that bloom. Even familiar winter vegetables such as radish, turnips, Chinese cabbage, sea lily, and arugula begin to bloom as spring approaches. The flower buds and stems are called "rape blossoms" and the habit of using them in cooking has become rooted.

Although it is a bittersweet, rape flowers are also slightly sweet, and are seasonal ingredients that give you a full sense of spring. In this article, we have put together a clear summary of the history, characteristics, how to choose and cooking methods of rape flowers in an easy-to-understand manner. Please read to the end as a tip to enjoy the arrival of spring in a delicious way.

What kind of plants are members of the Brassicaceae family?

Brassicaceae plants include many winter vegetables, including radish, turnips, Chinese cabbage and broccoli. These vegetables grow their roots and leaves well during the cold season, and have the property of flowers blooming instantly when they get warm.
The soft buds and flower stems before the flowers bloom have a slight sweetness, and the balance with the bitterness is exquisite. It's truly a delicious part only available in spring.

Difference between edible and ornamental use

When you hear the word "rape blossoms," many people imagine the yellow color that spreads out across a field of flowers. Most of that beautiful landscape is a variety grown for ornamental purposes. On the other hand, the vegetables sold for food in supermarkets and other places are varieties of the cruciferous family that have been varied with an emphasis on taste. Appearance is the top priority for ornamental purposes, while taste is the top priority for edibles, so even yellow flowers are surprisingly different between edible and ornamental purposes.

The history of rape flowers and symbols of spring

Brassicaceae plants, which have been widely used around the world, have long been closely connected to people's lives, such as squeezing oil from seeds and being used as feed. Rapeseed oil is also popular as a familiar cooking oil in Japan, and even today, rape flowers are one of the most iconic sights of spring.
As the cold winter approaches, the vibrant yellow rape blossoms bloom in full bloom, making you realize, "Oh, spring has come." The rape flowers that rise to the table, still in their buds, are also soft and bittersweet, which give you the feeling of the "season from winter to spring" on your tongue.

The relationship between winter vegetables and "to-stand"

When winter vegetables are warm, they are called "towake" and suddenly begin to grow their stems and prepare to bloom. Vegetables that are mainly roots, such as radish and turnips, can contain rice and cause a worse texture as they stand up, so they are usually harvested before they stand up.
However, the time when nutrients are collected in the "flower buds" and "flower stems" is what is known as "rape flowers." When you see it in your home garden, it's a happy signal that you can feel that spring is coming soon.

Various characteristics of rape flowers by vegetable

Rape Rape Flower

• Appearance and taste : Thick stems and firm texture. It has a bittersweet taste and a crisp texture.

Turnip rape flowers

• Appearance and taste : Soft stems with little fiber and mild bitterness. It has a gentle flavor and is easy to eat.

Chinese cabbage rape flowers

• Appearance and taste : The flower stems grow smoothly from the center where the leaves overlap. It has few quirks and is easy to eat even for beginners of rape flowers.

Mizuna rape flowers

• Appearance and taste : The stems are thin and the crunchy texture is characteristic. The bitterness is slightly stronger, but it can be adjusted by boiling the bottom or cooking methods.

Arugula rape flowers

• Appearance and taste : It comes from overseas and has a tangy flavor. It goes great with salads and pasta.

Bokchoy rape flowers

• Appearance and taste : The stems are slightly thin and the buds are soft. It has a good balance of mild bitterness and sweetness, making it easy to use for stir-frying.

Basic points for tasting delicious food

1. How to choose

• one with a tightly closed bud , it will be fresh and the bitterness will taste better.
• Check that the stems are fresh and the leaves and buds are wilted.

2. How to save

• best to cook early , but if you don't use it right away, wrap it in wet kitchen paper, put it in a plastic bag, stand up and go to the fridge.
• If you can't use it all after a few days, it's convenient to lightly boil it before storing it in the freezer.

3. Cooking tips

• A short boiling process will reduce the bittersweetness just right. Boil quickly in salted hot water for about 20-30 seconds, then immediately turn it into cold water.
• Brassicaceae vegetables go well with oil , so when paired with stir-fried dishes, oil-based salads, pasta, etc., they soften the bitterness and add a rich flavor.

Classic recipe: Rape blossom mustard topped with mustard

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• Rape blossoms... 1 bunch
• Mustard (tubes available)... 1-2 tsp (optional)
• Soy sauce...2 tablespoons
• Mirin... 1 tablespoon
• Dashi (thick or melted granulated dashi)... 1 tablespoon
• Add bonito flakes or white sesame seeds to your liking to enhance the flavor.

How to make it

1. Preparation
   • Quickly wash the rape flowers and cut off a few hard parts of the stem.
   • Separate the thick stems from the leaves and buds to reduce uneven boiling.
2. Boil
   • First add the stems to boiling water with a little salt added and boil for about 10 seconds.
   • Add the leaves and buds, boil for another 20 seconds, then immediately turn to cold water.
3. Take it in cold water
   • Once boiled, remove the coarse heat with cold water and drain thoroughly.
   • Cut them into sizes that are easy to eat.
4. Make a dressing roast
   • Add mustard, soy sauce, mirin, and dashi in a bowl and mix well.
   • Adjust the mustard to your liking.
5. Mix
   • Place the dried rape flowers in a bowl and mix with the salad batter all over.
   • Add bonito flakes or white sesame to finish off, adding a touch of aroma and making it even more delicious.

"Flower bud eating" culture that is active overseas

Not only in Japan, but also in some parts of Europe and Asia, there is a habit of eating young flower buds and stems from the Brassica family. For example, in Italy, it is common to quickly stir-fry arugula or broccoli shoots or put them in soup.
The bitterness and aroma vary slightly depending on the variety, so it may be fun to find a favorite that you will find yourself thinking, "I love this taste!" Recently, overseas varieties have become easy to grow in Japanese home gardens, so if you're interested, be sure to give it a try.

Cooking variations of rape flowers

• Sold : Enjoy the aroma and bitterness of rape flowers with simple seasonings such as mustard and vinegared miso.
• Stir-fried dishes : We also recommend Western-style arrangements using bacon, garlic, olive oil, etc.
• Tempura : Frying it softens the bitterness and gives it a crisp texture.
• Pasta : Add it to peperoncino or oil-based sauces to add color and flavor.
• Soup : If you add it to the finish, the vibrant green color is also a great accent to the taste.

Rape blossoms add color to your life

Not only is it eating, but the spring scenery with yellow spreading across the riverbed and fields is also a big attraction of rape flowers. When the Rape Flower Festival is being held in various places, many people probably go out to take photos.
On the other hand, cooking edible rape flowers as early as possible will help you enjoy the bitterness and texture of the food. If you find rape flowers from various varieties and regions, try comparing them.

summary

• Rape blossoms are a general term for flower buds and flower stems of the Brassica family, and in fact, they can also be harvested in spring in winter vegetables such as radish, turnips, and Chinese cabbage.
• The bittersweet and slightly sweet taste are unique to ingredients that allow you to enjoy the changing seasons.
• the variety of ornamental and edibles are different , even yellow flowers can have a completely different taste.
• The trick to eating delicious food is short-term boiling with oil .
• There are a wide variety of cooking methods, including mustard salad, stir-fried dishes, tempura, and pasta, so be sure to find a recipe that suits you.

The bittersweetness of rape flowers, which announces the arrival of spring, is a momentary taste that changes from cold to warmer seasons. The gorgeous look brings a touch of color and seasonal feel to your dining table. Be sure to try out a variety of rape flowers, a unique treat at this time of year. You'll be able to spend a little extravagant time, where you can feel the signs of spring even with your tongue.

[Introduction to special recipes for epi recipes]

Pretreatment of rape flowers

The rape flowers are boiled in salt and brighten. When exposed to cold water, you can enjoy a crisp texture.

Spaghetti with rape flowers

[3] Leave a little water in the frying pan (added cooking water) to let it absorb into the al dente pasta.

Rape blossoms and cherry shrimp pasta

Boiling the rapeseed flowers and pasta together will transfer the flavor of the rapeseed flowers to the pasta. This pasta has a very nice aroma of cherry blossom shrimp.

Spring rolls with rape flowers

These colorful spring rolls are wrapped in rape flowers, crab meat, and minced meat. When cutting spring rolls, use a knife to cut them all at once to make the cross section look neater.