Green-Yellow Vegetables
Beta-carotene-rich vegetables classified as green-yellow vegetables in Japan — carrots, spinach, kabocha, and more
Green-yellow vegetables (ryokuo-shoku yasai) are defined by Japan's Ministry of Health as vegetables containing 600μg or more of beta-carotene per 100g of edible portion. Some items like tomatoes and green peppers fall below this threshold but are classified as green-yellow due to their high consumption frequency. Beta-carotene is a nutrient that converts to vitamin A as needed in the body. Cooking with oil significantly improves absorption, making stir-fries and oil-based dressings ideal pairings.
Recommended Ingredients
Asparagus
アスパラガス Vegetable PeakA green-yellow vegetable rich in beta-carotene, plus unique nutrients like asparagine and rutin.
Bok Choy
ちんげんさい VegetableA green-yellow vegetable with 2000μg beta-carotene per 100g. Also rich in calcium and iron — great for stir-fries and soups.
Broccoli
ブロッコリー Vegetable900μg beta-carotene plus 140mg vitamin C per 100g — top-tier nutrition among green-yellow vegetables.
Carrot
にんじん VegetableAt 8600μg beta-carotene per 100g, it leads all vegetables. Absorption skyrockets when eaten with oil.
Garlic Chives
にら Vegetable PeakWith 3500μg beta-carotene per 100g, it ranks high among green-yellow vegetables — a fragrant herb that also contains allicin.
Green Pepper
ピーマン VegetableAt 400μg beta-carotene (below threshold), it's classified as green-yellow due to high consumption frequency. Also rich in vitamin C.
Kabocha Squash
かぼちゃ Vegetable4000μg beta-carotene plus vitamins E and C. Sweetens when cooked — perfect for simmered dishes and soups.
Komatsuna
こまつな Vegetable3100μg beta-carotene and roughly 3x the calcium of spinach. Low oxalic acid means no blanching needed.
Mitsuba
みつば VegetableA green-yellow vegetable with 730μg beta-carotene. Its elegant aroma is essential for finishing clear soups and chawanmushi.
Mizuna
みずな VegetableA green-yellow vegetable with 1300μg beta-carotene. Its crisp texture works from salads to hot pots.
Moroheiya
モロヘイヤ Vegetable10,000 µg of β-carotene — more than twice that of spinach. One of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens.
Okra
オクラ VegetableA yellow/green vegetable with 670 µg β-carotene and 5.0 g of fiber — top-tier among everyday vegetables.
Bell Pepper
パプリカ VegetableA yellow/green vegetable with 1,100 µg β-carotene — nutrients concentrate as peppers ripen.
Shiso
しそ VegetableAt 11000μg beta-carotene per 100g — the highest of all vegetables. Also contains the aromatic compound perillaldehyde, essential as a Japanese herb.
Garland Chrysanthemum
しゅんぎく Vegetable4500μg beta-carotene plus calcium and iron. Adds its distinctive herbal flavor to hot pots.
Spinach
ほうれん草 VegetableThe quintessential green-yellow vegetable — 4200μg beta-carotene plus iron and folate. Classic as ohitashi or sautéed.
Tomato
トマト VegetableAt 540μg beta-carotene (below threshold), classified as green-yellow due to high consumption frequency. Also rich in lycopene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between green-yellow and light-colored vegetables?
Green-yellow vegetables contain 600μg+ beta-carotene per 100g. Tomatoes and green peppers are exceptions — classified as green-yellow despite lower levels because of high consumption frequency in Japan.
How much green-yellow vegetables should I eat daily?
Japan's Ministry of Health recommends 350g of vegetables daily. A commonly cited guideline suggests at least 120g from green-yellow vegetables. One serving of spinach ohitashi (~70g) plus 5 cherry tomatoes (~75g) reaches this goal.
How can I absorb beta-carotene more efficiently?
Beta-carotene is fat-soluble — cooking with oil boosts absorption 2–3x compared to raw. Carrot kinpira (soy-glazed stir-fry) and kabocha tempura are excellent examples.
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