Some like it hot

With the ability to extract toxins from the soil and elevate salads, the fiery black-mustard plant also reflects the Divine, establishes John Wright

Kateryna Kyslitska

I HAVE a very distinct memory of my first close encounter with black mustard. I picked a single large leaf from a substantial plant growing in a grassy area above a Dorset beach and started chewing. It was almost without flavour at first, but then came a burn that was difficult to tolerate after a minute and insufferable after 90 seconds. Much drinking of water was required. Black mustard is, indeed, very hot, yet other flavours developed that formed an appealing complexity beyond the heat. Moderation is required for most people, although if (as some do) you like it hot, then you will be very well served by this spicy plant. Black mustard (Brassica nigra) is a true native in that it has been in these islands for millennia. It…

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Country Life (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 12, 2025

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