Japanese Chard

The fudanso umaina, or Japanese chard, is just about ready to harvest. According to the seed supplier it can be used when young as a salad green, or when mature like spinach.

Although it resembles regular chard it is a more compact plant. The seeds were purchased from Kitazawa Seed company, and this is what they have on their site regarding this variety:

"Umaina is a tender Japanese Chard. The leaves are deep green slightly waved and smooth. The mid-rib is pale green with short stalks. This variety is can withstand warm and cold temperatures and slow bolting. It is prepared like pak choi and very similar to spinach."

My only observation, as I have not eaten it yet, is that it is easy to grow and adapts well to hydroponics.