noun
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.
小松菜をさっと炒めて、醤油で味付けした。
I quickly stir-fried komatsuna and seasoned it with soy sauce.
この味噌汁には小松菜が入っている。
This miso soup has komatsuna in it.
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.