Vegetables
Komatsuna
コマツナ こまつな komatsuna
Also known askomatsuna
At its best in Jan, Feb, Dec
When it is at its best
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
In seasonAvailable
How to cook
Ohitashi (blanched greens in dashi)
Low in bitterness, so no parboiling needed.
Stir-fried
Stir-fried with fried tofu.
Miso soup
Added to miso soup.
Smoothie
Can be used raw.
How to choose
Thick, deeply coloured leaves with sturdy stems, not wilted.
Storage
Wrap in damp newspaper and refrigerate standing upright. Use within two or three days.
Main areas
Good to know
Less astringent than spinach, so it can be used without parboiling. The name comes from the Komatsugawa area of Tokyo where it was grown.
