Tatsoi

Tatsoi

Scientific Name:
Brassica rapa var. narinosa

Family:
Brassicaceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 25)

Introduction

Brassica rapa var. narinosa, commonly known as Tatsoi, is a variety of the species Brassica rapa within the family Brassicaceae. It is an Asian variety grown primarily for its edible greens, which are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, carotenoids, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. Tatsoi is closely related to bok choy and has become popular in North American cuisine. Its scientific classification includes being a subspecies of Brassica rapa, with trinomial names Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa or Brassica rapa var. rosularis.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Tatsoi features dark green, spoon-shaped leaves that form a thick rosette. It grows to about 10 inches tall and spreads up to 16 inches.
• Growing Conditions: It thrives in full to partial sun, requiring at least 3 hours of sunlight per day. The ideal temperature range is between 50°F and 80°F (10°C to 27°C), with mature plants doing well at 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). It prefers well-draining, loamy soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
• Lifecycle: Tatsoi is an annual plant that can be harvested in about 45 days from sowing seeds. It is suitable for successive plantings to extend the harvest period.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Tatsoi is a promising crop for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Rapid Growth: Its fast growth rate allows for quick harvests, which is beneficial in controlled environments where space and time are limited. - Nutritional Value: Rich in essential nutrients, Tatsoi can provide a balanced diet for astronauts during long-duration missions. - Low Maintenance: It is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it adaptable to the controlled environments found in space. - Compact Growth: Its compact size is ideal for space where space is limited, allowing for efficient use of resources.

History of Cultivation in Space

While there is no specific information on the cultivation of Tatsoi in space, Brassica species, including Brassica rapa, have been studied for their potential in space agriculture due to their hardiness and nutritional value. For example, Brassica rapa has been used in educational settings to teach genetics and plant biology, showcasing its adaptability to controlled environments. However, specific experiments or plans for cultivating Tatsoi in space have not been documented in the available literature.