noun
young greens; young herbs
Refers to tender, edible shoots and leaves harvested in early spring, often associated with the traditional Nanakusa (seven herbs) custom.
春になると、野原で若菜を摘むのが楽しみだ。
In spring, I look forward to picking young greens in the fields.
七草粥には、春の若菜を入れる。
We put spring young herbs into the seven-herb rice porridge.
Compound of 若 (waka, 'young') and 菜 (na, 'greens, vegetables'). The reading わかな is a straightforward kun'yomi combination.