Komatsuna
Komatsuna is a leafy green vegetable related to the common turnip. It has blue-green leaves, light green stalks, growing upright in a bunches like choys only taller than most choys. It grown and used culinarily mostly in Japan and Taiwan. Komatsuna ‘small pine tree greens’ in Japanese, is also known as Japanese Mustard Spinach. It is an excellent source of calcium.
Prepping & Eating Tips
– Always wash leaves well right before cooking
– Komatsuna is usually stir-fried, boiled and added to soups.
– It can also be added raw to salads.
– Can be eaten and prepared like spinach when harvested at younger stage
– Flavor grows stronger and hotter (like turnip green) as it matures – bigger and taller the bunch possibly the more flavor!
– It is often salt pickled Japanese tsukemono style – an easy way to preserve!
Selecting & Storing Tips
Select bunches free of wilt and bruised leaves.S
Store unwashed, in plastic bag or wrapped newspaper (this is common in Japan), in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.