Turnip

かぶ

A vegetable with a long history, even mentioned in the Nihon Shoki chronicle, and known as 'suzuna' in the Seven Spring Herbs. Cultivated widely across Japan, especially in Chiba and Saitama. The leaves should not be wasted and can be stir-fried or blanched. Used broadly in pickles (such as senmaizuke), simmered dishes, and soups

Taste & Texture

Mildly sweet and tender with a refined, non-pungent flavor. Less sharp than daikon; the leaves are also edible as greens. Winter harvests are notably sweeter

Season

MONTHLY AVAILABILITY

Jan - Dec

PEAK

※ Season is based on domestic field-grown availability

How to Choose

  • Choose turnips with smooth, white skin free of cracks or dark spots.

  • Smaller ones with good weight are best; with leaves attached, choose those with vibrant, fresh-looking tops.

  • Look for a round, plump shape.

How to Store

  • Remove the leaves and store separately; wrap the roots and refrigerate in the vegetable compartment.

  • Storing leaves and roots apart keeps the roots from drying out.

  • Freezing changes the texture, so better to pickle or salt them first.

Shelf life 3-5 days refrigerated (root), 1-2 days (leaves)

Nutrition Facts

Wholesale Market Data

MARKET INSIGHTS

CHEAPEST Nov ¥132/kg
BUSIEST Dec 4,584t
Volume (t)
In season
Price (yen/kg)

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

Production Ranking

100% Domestic
Chiba31.5%
Saitama17.2%
Aomori6.5%
Shiga5.2%
Kyoto4.7%
Others34.9%
10%+
5%+
2%+
0.1%+
None

Map data: National Land Numerical Information (MLIT Japan)

#
Prefecture
Harvest (t)
Share
1
26,700
31.5%
2
14,600
17.2%
3
5,540
6.5%
4
4,370
5.2%
5
3,940
4.7%

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics / Agricultural Census (2023)

Top 5 Prefecture Harvest Trends (2018-2023)

Chiba
Saitama
Aomori
Shiga
Kyoto