vegetable

Bok Choy

ちんげんさい

A Chinese vegetable that spread widely in Japan around 1972 following the normalization of diplomatic relations. Ibaraki Prefecture is the top producer, with greenhouse cultivation ensuring year-round supply. Used not only in Chinese cuisine (stir-fries, soups) but also broadly in Japanese and Western cooking. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and calcium

Taste & Texture

Mild with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Retains its vibrant green color and texture well after cooking. The contrasting textures of leaf and stem are part of its appeal

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Oct - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

Choose bunches with vibrant green leaves and plump, firm white stems.
The whole plant should look perky and not wilted.
Look for firm bases and fresh-looking cut ends.

How to Store

Place in a plastic bag and refrigerate in the vegetable compartment.
Best used promptly as it dries out easily.
Can also be blanched, drained, and frozen.

Shelf life 3-4 days refrigerated, 1 month frozen (blanched)

See shelf life ranking →

Nutrition Facts

per 100g

ENERGY CONTENT

9

KCAL

0.6g

Protein

0.1g

Fat

2g

Carbs

1.2g

Fiber

24mg

Vitamin C

260mg

Potassium

1.1mg

Iron

100mg

Calcium

2000μg

Beta-carotene

66μg

Folate

Source: Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan (8th ed.) 2020

Wholesale Market Data

2023

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Mar ¥271/kg

BUSIEST Mar 1,512t

Volume (t)

In season

Price (yen/kg)

Source: MAFF Wholesale Market Survey for Fresh Produce (2023)

Production Ranking

100% Domestic

Ibaraki31.0%

Shizuoka20.5%

Saitama6.8%

Aichi6.6%

Gunma6.2%

Others28.9%

10%+

5%+

2%+

0.1%+

None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#

Prefecture

Harvest (t)

Share

1

10,600

31.0%

2

7,000

20.5%

3

2,310

6.8%

4

2,270

6.6%

5

2,130

6.2%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Ibaraki

Shizuoka

Saitama

Aichi

Gunma

Explore more produce from Ibaraki

Komatsuna

こまつな

Spinach

ほうれん草

Napa Cabbage

白菜