Chop Suey Greens, Shungku

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm

Description

(Chrysanthemum coronarium)

A popular leafy green in Asia that is rich in Potassium. The white daisy petals are also edible and make nice tea.

Flavours/Food Partners

Cress, Endive, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Lettuce and other salad greens. Use young leaves with general salads and older leaves with soups, casseroles and other Asian dishes.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Chop Suey Greens is a sweet-tasting leafy vegetable that is high in Potassium and antioxidants and low in Carbohydrates. All parts of the plant are edible and will make a nice informal hedge. For maximum health benefits, do not overcook the leaves. They make a great side dish tossed in the wok with some garlic, Sweet Basil and ginger.

Landscaping/Planting

It is native to the Mediterranean and prefers well-drained soil in a part to full sun position.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Fertilise with Seasol and Powerfeed in spring, summer and autumn.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, MODERATE FROST
Height 75CM
Width 70CM