Spinach

ほうれん草

A nutritious dark leafy vegetable that peaks in winter. In 2023, Gunma led production at 22,400 tons with Saitama close behind at 20,500 tons — both Kanto prefectures dominate supply. Cold weather causes sugar accumulation in the leaves, and 'chijimi spinach' (frost-sweetened spinach) is a popular winter specialty. Widely used in ohitashi, stir-fries, soups, and more

Taste & Texture

Has a characteristic slight bitterness and astringency, but sweetness increases with winter cold exposure. Rich in iron and other nutrients

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jan - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose spinach with thick, vibrant deep-green leaves.

  • Firm, thick stems and a reddish tinge at the root base indicate extra sweetness.

How to Store

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

  • Blanch and freeze for longer storage.

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

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Mar ¥415/kg
BUSIEST Nov 5,907t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Retail Price

Price Trend

Cheapest Mar ¥833/1kg
Most Expensive Sep ¥1,634/1kg

Annual Average

¥1,138/1kg

Source: Statistics Bureau Retail Price Survey (2026)

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Gunma11.8%
Saitama10.8%
Chiba10.6%
Ibaraki10.0%
Miyazaki7.6%
Others49.3%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
22,400
11.8%
2
20,500
10.8%
3
20,100
10.6%
4
18,900
10.0%
5
14,400
7.6%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Gunma
Saitama
Chiba
Ibaraki
Miyazaki

Consumption Ranking

National Average (annual spending per household)

¥1,926 /year
#
City
Annual Spending
1
Akita Akita
¥3,329
2
Yamagata Yamagata
¥3,125
3
Morioka Iwate
¥2,715
4
Toyama Toyama
¥2,638
5
Niigata Niigata
¥2,628

Source: Statistics Bureau Family Income and Expenditure Survey (2024, two-or-more-person households, prefectural capital cities)