Abyssinian cabbage / Ethiopian mustard

Plant family

Crucifers (Brassicaceae)

Cultivation Break

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Dark germinator

Germination temperature

15 - 20 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

5 cm

Row spacing

25 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

Brassica carinata is a plant species from the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae). It is also known by the common names Ethiopian rape or Ethiopian mustard. It is thought to be a hybrid between Brassica nigra and Brassica oleracea. Representatives of the Brassica carinata species were cultivated in Ethiopia as early as the 4th millennium BC. Traditionally, the leaves and young shoots are used as vegetables and the seeds for the production of a type of mustard or for oil production. The plant has a mild taste and is eaten as a leafy vegetable. It is known as (Oromo : Raafuu); habesha gomen (Amharic : ሐበሻ ጎመን). One of the varieties is Texsel, which is particularly well adapted to temperate climates. The cultivation of Ethiopian mustard as a leafy vegetable is currently limited to small-scale production, but is slowly gaining popularity in both rural and urban areas where commercial cultivation takes place. Although Brassica carinata is grown as an oil crop in Ethiopia, it has high levels of undesirable glucosinolates and erucic acid (40-45%). The closely related species Brassica napus (rapeseed) is considered a better oil plant in comparison. Brassica carinata was used to develop a biofuel for aircraft engines. On October 29, 2012, the first flight of an aircraft powered entirely by biofuel from Brassica carinata took place. The by-product of Brassica carinata oil production is used in protein feed for animals. It is also suitable for the production of plastics, lubricants, paints, leather tanning, soaps and cosmetics.

Growing tips

The climate in Ethiopia is largely temperate, but there are also longer periods of drought every year. The Abyssinian cabbage is well adapted to both, which is why it thrives well in our latitudes and also copes well with unfavorable conditions such as heat and drought. It only tolerates frost to a limited extent. It is sown outdoors in sets from March to September. In dry conditions, it must be well hoed and watered to prevent premature flowering. The planting distance should be approx. 25 x 2-5 cm. Early sowings can be covered with fleece or perforated film. Cultivation as a catch crop in a cold greenhouse over the winter months can be interesting. The plants are easy to care for and not very susceptible to disease. Problems with earth fleas (pitting of leaves) and shining beetles (damage to buds) can occur, especially in spring and summer. When grown in pots, fresh greenery can be harvested from the windowsill all year round. Separate to about 5 plants per 11 cm pot; excess plants are the first harvest. After 5-7 weeks, the tender stems and leaves can be harvested from a height of 15-20 cm. Either pick only the largest leaves as required or break/cut the entire plant at one time. Abyssinian cabbage can be used raw as a tasty addition to salads; steamed with a little salt and butter, it tastes like aromatic broccoli. The seeds can be used to make mustard or oil.