Rocket Candytuft (Iberis amara)

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Iberis amara is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mild bitter mustard. — The seeds are sometimes used as a source of mustard.; Pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound.; The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes.; Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry calcareous soils on hillsides and in cornfields. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)