Lepidium sativum
Origin: Iraq
Improvement status: Landrace
Seeds per packet: ~225
Germination tested 08/2024: 95%
Life cycle: Annual/Biennial
Rashad is a hot and spicy, yet also sweet mustard-flavored green. The spicy seeds and seed oil can also be consumed. Known as "garden cress" or "peppergrass" in English, it is believed to have originated in the Middle East, but has become popular from India to Ireland. In the Netherlands, small trays of garden cress sprouts are commonly sold in supermarkets and used as spicy flavorful garnish on soups, salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. In Iraq, rashad is treated like many other herbs and served alongside parsley, green onion, cilantro, basil, etc., as a traditional side dish. This “khudthra” plate of herbs is served as a fresh accompaniment to the main meal, for snacking and adding to fresh bread wraps called "laffa."
We got these seeds from our friends at Truelove Seeds, who are also fellow members of the Iraqi Seed Collective, a group of diasporic people of Mesopotamian heritage (and friends) who are saving seeds to uplift and preserve the ancient culture of the Fertile Crescent. Due to years of war, imperialism, and colonialism — culminating in the the destruction of the Iraqi national seed bank during the 2003 US invasion — along with present-day disruptions including ongoing waterway diversion by Turkey and Iran, traditional Iraqi crops and foodways are under severe threat. Endangered varieties like Iraqi rashad — one of the most popular Iraqi crops among diaspora growers — must be grown and shared if they're going to survive.
Special thanks to Truelove Seeds for the seeds and for the photos of this variety.
GROWING NOTES: This plant grows and goes to seed very quickly and is a great green to have several successions of for a continuous harvest, like cilantro. Grows best in the cooler shoulder seasons. Can even overwinter in places with relatively mild winters.
