mustard relative crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "mustard relative crossword," you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "mustard relative crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KALE: A leafy green vegetable in the Brassicaceae family, known for its robust flavor and nutritional value, closely related to mustard.
6 Letters
RADISH: A root vegetable with a crisp texture and peppery taste, belonging to the mustard family. Often eaten raw in salads.
WASABI: A Japanese horseradish, a pungent green paste used as a condiment, derived from a plant in the Brassicaceae family.
7 Letters
ARUGULA: Also known as rocket, this leafy green has a distinctive pungent, peppery flavor and is a member of the mustard family.
8 Letters
BROCCOLI: A popular green vegetable characterized by its tree-like structure, part of the Brassica genus within the mustard family.
More About "mustard relative crossword"
The term "mustard relative" in crosswords typically refers to plants belonging to the Brassicaceae family, also known as the Cruciferae family. This diverse botanical family is renowned for its culinary versatility and distinct peppery or pungent flavors, which are attributed to compounds called glucosinolates. Beyond the well-known mustard plant itself, this family includes a vast array of common vegetables that frequently appear in crosswords.
Members of the Brassicaceae family share common characteristics, such as their four-petaled, cross-shaped flowers (hence "Cruciferae") and often a strong, distinct aroma and taste. From the crisp bite of a radish to the earthy notes of kale and the fiery kick of wasabi, these plants are staples in diets worldwide. Recognizing these connections can be key to unlocking tricky crossword clues related to botany and food.
When encountering a clue like "mustard relative," think broadly about vegetables or herbs that fit this botanical classification. Common answers often include members of the Brassica genus, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, as well as other popular greens like arugula (rocket) and watercress. Root vegetables like turnips and rutabagas also fall into this family, offering a wide range of possibilities for different letter counts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Botanically: When the clue refers to a "relative" of a plant, consider its botanical family. The Brassicaceae family is a common source of crossword answers for mustard, cabbage, and their kin.
- Consider Culinary Uses: Many mustard relatives are common vegetables, herbs, or spices. Think about foods with a distinctive pungent or peppery taste that you might use in cooking.
- Check Letter Count and Crossings: Always use the number of letters required and any intersecting letters to narrow down the possibilities. For "mustard relative," answers can range from short words like KALE to longer ones like BROCCOLI or HORSERADISH.
- Look for Regional Variants: Some plants have different common names depending on the region (e.g., arugula vs. rocket), which can also be valid crossword answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "mustard family" in botany?
The "mustard family" is botanically known as Brassicaceae, or formerly Cruciferae, due to their characteristic four-petaled flowers resembling a cross. This family includes many common vegetables and spices.
Are all "mustard relatives" edible?
While many plants in the Brassicaceae family are edible and widely consumed (like cabbage, broccoli, kale, radishes), some varieties or wild species might not be palatable or could be harmful if ingested in large quantities. It's always best to be sure of the plant's identity before consumption.
How can I quickly identify a crossword answer for plants related to mustard?
When a clue points to a 'mustard relative,' think of common vegetables with a slightly peppery or pungent taste. Consider leafy greens (kale, arugula), root vegetables (radish, turnip), or pungent condiments (wasabi, horseradish). The number of letters in the answer and any crossing letters will further narrow down the possibilities. Familiarity with the Brassicaceae family can be a big help.