Komatsuna

Komatsuna
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Brassicales
Family:	Brassicaceae
Genus:	Brassica
Species:	Brassica rapa
Variety:	B. rapa var. perviridis
Trinomial name
Brassica rapa var. perviridis

Komatsuna (コマツナ（小松菜）^?)

or Japanese mustard spinach (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) is a leaf vegetable. It is a variety of Brassica rapa, the plant species that yields the turnip, mizuna, napa cabbage, and rapini. It is grown commercially in Japan and Taiwan. The name komatsuna is from the Japanese komatsuna (小松菜, コマツナ), "small pine tree greens". It is stir-fried, pickled, boiled, and added to soups or used fresh in salads. It is an excellent source of calcium.[1] 

The leaves of komatsuna may be eaten at any stage of their growth. In a mature plant they are dark green with slender light green stalks, around 30 centimeters (12") long and 18 cm (7") wide. It is most often grown in the spring and autumn, as it cannot endure extreme heat or cold for more than a short time.

The plant is also used for fodder in some Asian countries.

See also

• Brassica juncea

References