Low temperatures intensify the colors. Best grown as a fall/winter crop–the plants will bolt early when sown in spring to summer. Kosaitai can be cut young and will re-grow for additional harvests. Prefers cool temperatures. Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in late summer/early fall. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Harvest main stalk when it reaches 10-14″ tall and just before flowering occurs. After this cut, the plant branches freely for an extended harvest. The young flowering shoots add a mild mustard flavor to fresh salads. Cook by lightly steaming, boiling or stir-frying.
Alternate names: beninabana, cai xin, edible rape, flowering Chinese cabbage, flowering pak choy, hong cai tai, hong tsoi sum, hon tsai tai, kosaitai, tsai hsin, yintsai sum, yu choy, yu choy sum, yui tsai, zi cai tai.
