Mitsuba (Cryptotaenia japonica)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Cryptotaenia japonica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring with a parsley-like flavour if you let your imagination run away with you. — Leaves and stems - raw or cooked.; Used as a flavouring with a parsley-like flavour if you let your imagination run away with you.; Seedlings and young leaves can be used in salads.; When cooking, the leaves should not be cooked for more than a couple of minutes or the flavour is destroyed.

Habitat & North American Range

Woodland in hills and mountains. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)