Cryptotaenia japonica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Cryptotaenia
Species:
C. japonica
Binomial name
Cryptotaenia japonica
Synonyms[1]
  • Deringa dissecta (Y.Yabe) Koso-Pol.
  • Deringa japonica (Hassk.) Koso-Pol.

Cryptotaenia japonica, also called East Asian wildparsley,[2] Japanese cryptotaenia,[3] Japanese honewort,[3] white chervil[4] mitsuba,[5] Japanese wild parsley, stone parsley, honeywort, san ip, trefoil, and san ye qin (from Chinese: 三叶芹; pinyin: sānyè qín) is a plant species native to Japan, Korea, and China.[6] The plant is edible and is commonly used as a garnish and root vegetable in Japan,[7] and other Asian countries.[8]

Culinary uses

Illustration from the Japanese agricultural encyclopedia Seikei Zusetsu (1804)

Cryptotaenia japonica is raised as a seasoning (similar to angelica). Like parsley, the flavor is clean and refreshing with a slightly bitter taste which some describe as celery-like. The sprouts are used in salads and soup.

In Japan, it is commonly used as a garnish in soups or atop entrees or as a sushi ingredient. The white stems are blanched while they're tender, and have a taste similar to coriander.[9] Two main regional varieties exist, the green Kansai type, and the white Kantō type.[9]

Nutritional benefits

Mitsuba's dark green leaves, stems, and pods have an extensive nutritional profile, including high levels of calcium and vitamin C.

References

  1. The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species, retrieved 19 July 2016
  2. Korea National Arboretum (2015). English Names for Korean Native Plants (PDF). Pocheon: National Arboretum. p. 426. ISBN 978-89-97450-98-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2016 via Korea Forest Service.
  3. 1 2 "Cryptotaenia japonica". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
  4. Hurst, Kim (2015). Hidden Histories Herbs - The Secret Properties of 150 Plants. London: Timber Press. p. 56. ISBN 9781604696189.
  5. Plants for a Future, retrieved 12 May 2016
  6. Flora of China Vol. 14 Page 80, 鸭儿芹 ya er qin, Cryptotaenia japonica Hasskarl, Retzia. 1: 113. 1855.
  7. "Gardening Articles :: Edibles :: Herbs :: National Gardening Association". garden.org. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  8. "Cryptotaenia japonica f. atropurpurea - Plant Finder". missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  9. 1 2 Sanderson, Helen; Renfrew, Jane M. (2005). Prance, Ghillean; Nesbitt, Mark (eds.). The Cultural History of Plants. Routledge. p. 107. ISBN 0415927463.
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