komatsuna; Japanese mustard spinach
A leafy green vegetable commonly used in Japanese cuisine, similar to spinach but with a slightly mustardy flavor. Often used in stir-fries, soups, and salads.
I quickly stir-fried komatsuna and seasoned it with soy sauce.
This miso soup has komatsuna in it.
ほうれん草 (spinach) and 小松菜 (Japanese mustard spinach) are both dark leafy greens sold side by side in supermarkets, but they are different plants with distinct taste and texture.
Standard kanji spelling for this vegetable.
Katakana spelling often used in botanical or culinary contexts, or for emphasis.
Named after the Komatsugawa area in Edogawa, Tokyo, where it was traditionally cultivated. The name literally means 'small pine greens', though the connection to pine is not direct.