Nozawana (野沢菜, Brassica rapa L. var. hakabura) is a Japanese leaf vegetable, often pickled.[1] It is of the same species as the common turnip and one of a Japanese variety of mustard leaf.[2] Its leaves are approximately 60–90 cm long.

Nozawana
Nozawana
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
(unranked):
(unranked):
(unranked):
Order:
Family:
Genus:
Species:
B. rapa (syn B. campestris)
Variety:
B. r. var. hakabura
Trinomial name
Brassica rapa L. var. hakabura
Mentaiko and nozawana on rice

Traditionally it is thought that sometime between 1751 and 1764 the plant was brought from the Kyoto mountains to the Nozawa-onsen village by the master of a Buddhist temple who lived in Nozawa. It was since cultivated around that area, and thus named Nozawana: na means vegetable in Japanese.

Pickled nozawana is one of the most typical local foods in Nagano Prefecture. It is also used in onigiri.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ "Nozawana - the perfect pickle in Nozawa Onsen". Nozawa Holidays. 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
  2. ^ "Pickled Mustard Leaves (Nozawana-zuke)". Asian Inspirations. 2017-07-17. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
  3. ^ "Japanese Savoury Buns (Nozawana Oyaki)". Asian Inspirations. 2017-07-17. Retrieved 2019-06-25.