Cryptotaenia
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| Genus: | Cryptotaenia |
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Cryptotaenia is a genus of two species of herbaceous perennial plants, native to North America and eastern Asia, growing wild in moist, shady places.
Species
- Cryptotaenia canadensis
- Cryptotaenia japonica (syn. C. canadensis subsp. japonica)
Some other species previously included in this genus (as C. africana, C. calycina) have been shown by molecular evidence not to belong in Cryptotaenia (Hardway et al., 2004).
Culinary Uses
C. japonica is raised as a seasoning(similar to angelica)
English names for the plant include mitsuba, Japanese wild parsley, honeywort, san ip, and san ye qin (from Chinese: 三叶芹; pinyin: sānyè qín). Like parsley, the flavor is clean and refreshing with a slightly bitter taste which some describe as celery-like. and the sprouts are used in salads. In Japan it is commonly used as a garnish in soups or atop entrees or as a sushi ingredient.
Nutritional benefits
Mitsuba's dark green leaves, stems, and pods are high in vitamin C and calcium in particular, in addition to having a strong nutritional profile.
Traditional Uses
Mitsuba has been used traditionally for its perceivek'/J'd medicinal benefits as a strengthening tonic.
External links
- Hardway, T. M. et al. (2004). Circumscription of Apiaceae tribe Oenantheae. South African Journal of Botany 70: 393-406. Available online (pdf file)
- Technical description of Cryptotaenia japonica
- Plants for a Future database on Cryptotaenia japonica
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