Historical Background

Characteristics

Many Wild Vegetables have a bitter taste, astringency, and a unique scent, and these flavors are familiar to Wild Vegetables. In Particular, spring Wild Vegetables have strong bitterness, and they facilitate the body, which shrinks because of the winter low temperature. Wild vegetables facilitate body activities. 

To Know More

Seasonal Wild Vegatables

Spring (March–May)

・Warabi (Bracken Fern) – Young fern shoots, slightly bitter, often boiled and used in salads or soups.

・Takenoko (Bamboo Shoots) – Tender bamboo sprouts, commonly simmered or cooked with rice.

・Fuki (Butterbur) – Thick green stalks with a unique aroma, used in simmered dishes.

・Fukinoto (Butterbur Bud) – Flower buds of butterbur, often made into tempura.

・Taranome (Angelica Tree Shoots) – Considered a delicacy, frequently deep-fried as tempura.

・Koshiabura – Aromatic young tree shoots, popular in tempura.

・Zenmai (Royal Fern) – Curled fern shoots, typically dried and rehydrated before cooking.

Summer (June–August)

・Miitsuba (Japanese Wild Parsley) – Fragrant herb used in soups and salads.

・Shiso (Perilla Leaf) – Aromatic leaf used as garnish or in tempura.
・Myoga (Japanese Ginger Bud) – Crunchy flower bud with a refreshing flavor.

・Okra (Wild varieties) – Sometimes found growing naturally in rural areas.

Autumn (September–November)

・Mukago (Japanese Yam Bulblets) – Small round yam bulbs, often cooked with rice.

・Akebi (Chocolate Vine Fruit) – Purple fruit; the rind can be cooked, and the pulp is eaten raw.

・Kikurage (Wood Ear Mushroom) – Often found in forests and used in stir-fries.

Winter (December–February)

・Seri (Japanese Parsley) – Often used in hot pots and traditional New Year dishes.

・Nazuna (Shepherd’s Purse) – One of the “Seven Herbs of Spring,” eaten in early January.

・Yukina (Snow Greens) – Leafy greens that grow under snow in colder regions.

Direct Voice from （Nanami）

Before searching for specific information about wild plants, I realized that wild plants come in many varieties. I came to Akita prefecture this year, and I felt nature's strength by searching for wild plants. In Akita Prefecture, in spring, wild plants were placed on the dining tables between the family, but it was a fresh culture for me.