Mitsuba (Cryptotaenia japonica) - Also called Japanese Parsley or Wild Japanese Parsley. An interesting herb resembling flat leaf parsley with fewer and larger leaves (the name Mitsuba in Japan means "three leaves"). The flavor is described as a mixture of cilantro, parsley, and celery. Mitsuba leaves are usually used fresh in Japanese and Chinese dishes, salads, stir fry, or sushi as the leaves can become bitter if they are cooked too long. It is an easy to grow perennial though it does prefer some light shade especially during the hottest Summer months. The stems, seeds, and roots of the plant are also edible. Perennial zones 4-9. One live plant in 3 inch container. |