Collard Greens Vs Mustard Greens (Key Differences)

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In the world of vegetables and greens, to be precise, there are many greens you can choose from.

However, if you are looking for greens rich in minerals, vitamins, and fiber, you may consider checking out collard and mustard greens. But what is the difference between collard greens vs mustard greens? And which of them is better for you?

Both collard green and mustard greens are good for you! They are from the same family as Brassica. The difference between the two greens is that, while mustard green is considered a herb, collard green is referred to as cabbage, just like kale and swiss.

Now, let’s quickly learn more about the two greens deeply so you can decide which of them is better for your dishes!

Difference Between Collard Greens Vs Mustard Greens

Collard greens and mustard greens may appear similar, but then there’s a distinct difference between them.

Appearance of Collard Vs Mustard Greens

Collard Greens

Although collards are known as colewort or cabbage, their leaves are somehow different from cabbage.

Yes, collard greens lack the compact leaves of the cabbage head. Collardgreens have dark green leaves. The leaves are broad and leathery in texture, while the stems are tough.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are also known as curled mustard or Indian mustard.They have their seeds, which are also medicinal. Also, there are different varieties of mustard greens, just like the Japanese mustard, also known as Mizuna, and the red giant mustard.

Also, there are other differences among the different types of mustard greens, for example, the shape of the leaves, stems, and thickness of the stalks.

Despite the varieties of mustard greens, their leaves generally have a bright green color, narrower with frilled edges and almost slender stalks.

Collard and Mustard Green Taste Difference

Collard Greens

Collard Green, in its raw state, is bitter just like Kale but subsides when heated; it gives that earthy taste.

Even though it has no season, don’t go for those with dry edges or holes. However, always go for them in cooler months to get the best out of collard greens.

Mustard Greens

Just like horseradish, mustard greens have a spicy flavor. They are also peppery and spicy. Moreover, they have a mildly bitter taste. Their peppery taste makes them unique.

Nutritional Value of Collard Vs. Mustard Greens

Collard Greens

Collard greens have sufficient potassium, which is vital for your heartbeat regulation, muscle contract, and for balancing the salinity of your body.

Also, in the glycemic index, collard greens are low in rating. This entails that they won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar when you are done eating.

Due to this, diabetic patients can turn to collard greens to help regulate their blood sugar levels effectively. Collard greens are rich in vitamin A to maintain the eyes, Vitamin C and K.

They are also sufficient in calcium for strong bones and teeth. Folates and antioxidants are not also exempted in collard greens.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are great sources of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. 

 140 gram of cooked mustard green, when eaten, gives the following:

  • 829.8 µg of Vitamin K
  • 865 µg of Vitamin A
  • 35.4 mg of Vitamin C
  • 0.8 mg of Selenium
  • 0.204 mg of Copper
  • 2.49 mg of Vitamin E
  • 165 mg of Calcium
  • 1.22 mg of Iron
  • 0.3 µg of Betaine and
  • 0.137 mg of Vitamin B6

Between Collard Greens and Mustard Greens, which Is Taller?

Of course, collard greens are taller than mustard greens. Collards are between two feet to three feet, while mustard greens are between a half foot to two feet.

Related Questions

Before we wrap it up, let’s quickly answer some of the questions that are confusing most people regarding collard and mustard greens.

Are Collard and Mustard Greens The Same?

No,collard greens and mustard greens are not the same, even though they share some similarities. This is because they are of the same family, Brassica. Collard is considered a cabbage, while mustard is an herb.

Another unique feature of mustard is its spicy flavor, while that of collard is bitter though it can be diluted when heated.

Between Collard and Mustard, which is bitter?

Both greens have a bitter taste. However, collards have a more bitter taste than mustards, especially when eaten raw but can be mild when cooked. Want something peppery? Then try mustard greens.

What Are Good Substitutes For Mustard Greens?

You might want to add mustard green to your dinner, but looking at your storage, there is none left, or you probably forgot to pick it up at the market. What should you do? Abandon your dinner? Of course not. There’s always a way out. Yes, you can substitute.

In the absence of mustard greens, kale, swiss, spinach, and chard are good substitutes. However, don’t substitute collards for mustards. Keep reading to know more.

Do Mustard and Collard Greens Taste The Same?

No, they don’t taste the same. Mustard greens have a pungent and peppery taste, while collards have a bitter taste.

Can Mustard be Used In Place Of Collard and Vice versa?

Because both are greens, it is unwise to substitute each with the other because they have different tastes and can’t blend. Instead, use kale, chard, and swiss.

Can I Cook Mustard and Collard Together?

Yes, you can cook both together. But then, you can spice them up with onions and salt.

Conclusion

To this end, it is clear that collard greens and mustard greens are great leafy greens you can consume to boost your health.

Although they are similar in most areas like nutrients; vitamins and minerals, and low carolers, they have some difference between them.

Collards have thick and broad leaves, tough stems, and a bitter taste, while mustards have lighter, paler, and narrow leaves with a peppery taste.

However, both are good for your health as they supply quality nutritional value and health benefits.

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