Komatsuna

Komatsuna
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Brassicales
Family:	Brassicaceae
Genus:	Brassica
Species:	B. rapa
Binomial name
Brassica rapa L.

Mustard spinach, raw

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	92 kJ (22 kcal)
Carbohydrates	3.9 g
- Dietary fiber	2.8 g
Fat	0.3 g
Protein	2.2 g
Vitamin A equiv.	495 μg (62%)
Thiamine (vit. B1)	0.068 mg (6%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)	0.093 mg (8%)
Niacin (vit. B3)	0.678 mg (5%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.178 mg (4%)
Vitamin B6	0.153 mg (12%)
Folate (vit. B9)	159 μg (40%)
Vitamin C	130 mg (157%)
Calcium	210 mg (21%)
Iron	1.5 mg (12%)
Magnesium	11 mg (3%)
Manganese	0.407 mg (19%)
Phosphorus	28 mg (4%)
Potassium	449 mg (10%)
Sodium	21 mg (1%)
Zinc	0.17 mg (2%)
Link to USDA Database entry Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database

Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis or komatsuna) is a type of leaf vegetable. It is a variant of the same species as the common turnip. It is grown commercially in Japan, and Taiwan; the name is from Japanese komatsuna (小松菜, コマツナ), 'small pine tree greens'. It is also known as Japanese Mustard Spinach and is usually stir-fried, pickled, boiled and added to soups or used fresh in salads. It is an excellent source of calcium. It is also used for fodder in some Asian countries. The leaves of komatsuna may be eaten at any stage of their growth. In a mature plant they are dark green with slender light green stalks, around 30 cm (12") long and 18 cm (7") wide. It is most often grown in the spring and autumn, as it cannot endure extreme heat or cold for more than a short time.

See also

• Mizuna
• Brassica juncea

External links

• Kitazawa Seed Co. Leafy Vegetables - Komatsuna
• Details on Komatsuna