Cypriot napy was regarded as renowned by Antiphanes.
Name - Origin
Σινάπι.
Scientific name: Sinapis Alba (Hadjioannou 1975, 370)
Mustard is made from the seed of lapsana.
Functional and symbolic role
Lapsana in general is a type of cereal weed. But, since ancient times, it seems that it was discovered that the seed of the flower could be eaten when processed. Antiphanes, as per the passage quoted by Athenaeus, mentions that the napy of Cyprus is renowned, along with the cardamom of Miletus, the onions of Samothrace, and others.
Additional information and bibliography
The 'Kyprion napy' is mentioned by Antiphanes (5th-4th century BC). The passage is quoted by Athenaeus (2nd-3rd century AD) in his work Dipnosophistae. Excerpt: 'And Cyprian mustard and mamutia...' Athenaeus, Dipnosophistae 1.28 (Translation: Hadjioannou 1975, 371)
Athenaeus, Dipnosophytes 1.28d in: Gulick, C.B. ed. (1969) Athenaeus-The Deipnosophists, Loeb Classical Library vol.1. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 122-123
Hadjioannou, K. (1975) Η Αρχαία Κύπρος εις τας Ελληνικάς Πηγάς, vol. B' Nicosia. Holy Archbishopric of Cypruspublications, 370-371.
Natassa Charalambous
Traditional Recipes
Charlocks (wild mustard greens) yahní with flour
A fasting dish. The greens are cooked in a mixture of fried onion in olive oil and toasted flour.
Traditional Recipes
Charlocks with bitter orange juice
"Add the lapsanes to the sautéed onion and stir them until all the water has evaporated. Add the bitter orange juice and continue to cookl..." (Maria Ioannidou, Rizokarpaso)
Foods
Gaourokavlos - Syrian thistle
A plant consumed raw or cooked with various legumes. Collected from January to April.
Traditional Recipes
Lapsanes (charlocks) with garlic
"...add the olive oil in the same pot and then add the garlic. When the garlic is golden brown, add the lapsanes and salt." (Tasoula Hadjilambi, Komi Kepir Kyrenia)
Traditional Recipes
Omelette with charlocks (wild mustard greens)
"We were able to make this recipe only in the winter, since the main ingredient of the recipe, the lapsanes (charlocks), only grow during this season." (Tasoula Hadjilambi, Komi Kepir Kyrenia)
