Komatsuna

こまつな

Said to have originated in Komatsugawa (present-day Edogawa Ward, Tokyo), with a tradition that shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune gave it its name. Widespread greenhouse cultivation ensures year-round stable supply. Unlike spinach, it does not need blanching before use. An indispensable dark leafy green on the Japanese table in ohitashi, stir-fries, and miso soup

Taste & Texture

Milder and less bitter than spinach. The stems are crisp and the leaves tender. Highly nutritious, with about two-and-a-half times more calcium than spinach

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jan - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose bright green, firm leaves and thick, sturdy stems.

  • Select bunches that are plump throughout, with no wilting or yellowing.

How to Store

  • Wrap in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and store upright in the refrigerator vegetable compartment.

  • Blanch, squeeze out water, divide into portions, and freeze for convenience.

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

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Nov ¥238/kg
BUSIEST Oct 4,639t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Ibaraki26.8%
Saitama12.2%
Fukuoka10.7%
Tokyo7.6%
Kanagawa6.3%
Others36.3%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
28,500
26.8%
2
13,000
12.2%
3
11,400
10.7%
4
8,060
7.6%
5
6,700
6.3%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Ibaraki
Saitama
Fukuoka
Tokyo
Kanagawa