Mitsuba

みつば

Chiba Prefecture leads national production, with year-round supply through greenhouse cultivation. The name 'mitsuba' means 'three leaves,' referring to its trifoliate leaf shape. Indispensable for aroma and garnish in Japanese cuisine: clear soups, chawanmushi egg custard, soba, and hot pot dishes. Historically also used as a medicinal herb

Taste & Texture

Characterized by a distinctive fresh, herbal aroma and a gentle bitterness. The fragrance dissipates with overcooking, so it is typically added at the end. The stems have stronger flavor than the leaves

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Mar - Apr

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose bunches with vibrant green leaves and firm stems.

  • For ne-mitsuba, select those with firm white stems.

  • Avoid wilted or yellowing bunches.

How to Store

  • For root mitsuba, stand the roots in water and refrigerate.

  • For cut mitsuba, wrap in a damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

  • Use promptly to preserve the aroma.

Shelf life 3-4 days refrigerated

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Mar ¥494/kg
BUSIEST Dec 650t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Chiba25.6%
Aichi17.0%
Ibaraki14.4%
Shizuoka10.9%
Saitama10.6%
Others21.5%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
2,820
25.6%
2
1,870
17.0%
3
1,590
14.4%
4
1,200
10.9%
5
1,170
10.6%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Chiba
Aichi
Ibaraki
Shizuoka
Saitama