Tatsoi

Tatsoi is a compact Asian leafy green forming a low, dense rosette of very dark green, glossy, spoon-shaped leaves. It is slow to bolt and tolerates significant frost, making it exceptionally suited to cool-season production. Vitamin-rich, crisp, and mild in flavour, it thrives in sun through partial shade and is an excellent heritage variety for successive sowings.

Growing

Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in successive batches from the time soil reaches 5 °C through midsummer for a continued harvest. Sow thinly in open ground, cold frames, or unheated greenhouses. Thin seedlings to 5–10 cm apart for baby-leaf harvest, or to 20–35 cm for full rosettes. Maintain 35–50 cm between rows when sowing in rows. Seeds sown around the height of summer typically produce the best autumn crop.

Care

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; tatsoi's shallow rosette dries out quickly in warm spells. Apply a balanced liquid feed every two to three weeks on less fertile soils. Remove any yellowing outer leaves to encourage fresh growth. Protect plants with fleece once nights drop below −4 °C to extend the harvest significantly into late autumn.

Harvest

Begin harvesting outer leaves once plants are established and growing vigorously — the rosette continues to push new growth. For baby leaves, cut at 5–10 cm height; for full heads, harvest when the rosette is firm and 15 cm tall. Plants harvested progressively regrow well. Bolt risk rises in long-day conditions, so harvest regularly and promptly during warm periods.

In the kitchen

Use young tatsoi leaves raw in salads, where their mild, slightly mustardy flavour and crisp texture shine. Larger leaves wilt quickly in a hot pan, making tatsoi ideal for stir-fries, soups, and ramen. Pair with sesame oil, ginger, garlic, or miso. Thinnings from the patch are tender enough to eat whole.

Storing

Store unwashed leaves in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, blanch briefly, pat dry, and freeze in portions. Freshly harvested leaves deteriorate quickly at room temperature, so refrigerate promptly after picking.