木の芽
also: このめ
Meanings
1
leaf bud; tree bud
General term for the new buds that appear on trees in spring.
The leaf buds in the garden have started to swell.
2
Japanese pepper tree bud; sanshō bud
Specifically the bud of the Japanese pepper tree (Xanthoxylum piperitum), used as a seasonal garnish or condiment in Japanese cuisine.
Chopping Japanese pepper buds and mixing them with miso makes kinome miso.
Usage patterns
- 木の芽が出るfor tree buds to sprout
When it gets warmer, the tree buds start to sprout.
- 〈物〉に木の芽を添えるto garnish a dish with sanshō buds
I garnished the chikuzen-ni with a sanshō bud before plating it.
- 木の芽をすりつぶすto grind sanshō buds (to make a paste or sauce)
Grind the sanshō buds in a mortar to make kinome miso.