Komatsuna, Japanese mustard spinach, is most delicious and economical in March and can be used in many delicious recipes. Although Komatsuna is called Japanese mustard spinach, I have not found it to taste much like mustard. Try it yourself!
What is Komatsuna? – Komatsuna (コマツナ（小松菜)) or Brassica rapa is a leaf vegetable from the same family of turnip, mizuna, napa cabbage, and rapini. It is packed full of calcium and vitamin A! Komatsuna is mostly consumed in Japan and Taiwan where it is stir-fried, pickled, boiled, added to soups or used fresh in salads. Japanese komatsuna is translated as “small pine tree greens”. Komatsuna can be eaten at any stage of growth but is best at peak in spring, since they do not sustain heat or cold well.
Komatsuna delicious and easy recipes!
Eat in season for maximum nutrition and value!
Asian inspired mustard greens – This recipe is a simple stir-fry that anyone can cook in less than five mins. Delicious sesame and soy dressing.
Komatsuna and Bacon Stir-fri – One of my kids favorite due to the bacon, but also a great way to get a lot more calcium into the kids.
Beginner Friendly Smoothie – Komatsuna, banana, apple and kiwi – yum, yum, healthy. Also, love this website.
Tuna and Komatsuna Pasta – Ok, I know this may sound a bit iffy, but it is actually quite delicious.
Steamed Japanese cakes – I love Japanese mushi-pan. Follow the recipe at this link for the cheese and corn sushi-pan, but replace the cheese and corn with one cup of Komatsuna you have run through your food processor. The cakes are sweet, moist and need no frosting!
Try cooking with other seasonal veggies and Japanese ingredients!
Organized by Seasonality here are our favorite Japanese ingredients and recommend family friendly recipes.
All year
Cooking with Konyaku (The Zero Calorie Food)
Fall
Japanese Gingko Nut Recipes (Ginnan – ぎんなん）
Japanese Persimmon Recipes – Autumn Shun
Nashi Japanese Pear – In Season Now – Best Recipes
Winter
Japanese Hot Pot Recipe – A Quick & Nutritious Winter Meal
Spring
Bamboo Recipes – Spring Shun (in season)!
Summer
Our favorite places to shop for groceries!
Bikuri Vegtable (various locations in central Tokyo)
Organic shopping offline in Tokyo
Organic shopping online in Japan
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Komatsuna Recipes – Seasonal Cooking
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