Komatsuna - The Leafy Green Japanese Superfood

[EDO BEAUTY LAB] uses komatsuna — the leafy green Japanese superfood. Find out more our star ingredient, its nutrional value, and culinary uses.

The History of Komatsuna

Komatsuna (Brassica rapa var. perviridis) first arrived in Japan via China somewhere between the 8th and 12th centuries. Later, around the 13th century, it made its way to Edogawa City, in eastern Tokyo. Here, it became a staple crop in the Komatsgawa area. In those days, komatsuna was known as “fuyuna,” or “winter vegetable.”

A local legend attributes the renaming to Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth shogun of Japan:

As the story goes, one day Tokugawa had a bowl of fuyuna soup after an episode of hunting in the Komatsugawa area. Surprisingly, he liked the leafy green vegetable so much that he christened it “komatsuna.” ( Komatsu vegetable.)

Today, Edogawa City prides itself on its komatsuna production. In fact, it is Tokyo’s leading komatsuna producer, with 2,848 tons harvested in 2018. Moreover, komatsuna is such an important part of Edogawa City that it hosts a yearly “Komatsuna Festival.” What’s more, Edogawa City even has a komatsuna mascot!

Nutrition and Culinary Uses of Komatsuna

Komatsuna is high in nutritional value. As a matter of fact, komatsuna is a true superfood and contains 3.5 times more calcium than spinach. In addition, komatsuna is also rich in antioxidants which nourish the skin and create a healthy glow.

Not only is komatsuna rich in nutrients, it also compliments both Japanese cuisine and Western dishes. In Japan, komatsuna is an ideal ingredient to add to soups, sautées, and salads.

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However, take a trip to Edogawa City, and you’ll find komatsuna noodles and pizza with komatsuna toppings. Surprisingly, komatsuna works well in Japanese sweets, bread, chiffon cakes, and other confectioneries.

What’s more, Tokyo Sea Life Park, an aquarium in the Kasai district of Edogawa City, even uses komatsuna to feed some species of aquatic creatures!

Komatsuna and [EDO BEAUTY LAB], Green Skincare From Edogawa, Japan

Edogawa, Japan is the birthplace of komatsuna and [EDO BEAUTY LAB]. Our signature Green Radiance Clay Mask uses locally grown komatsuna and it is manufactured and packaged here in Edogawa City, Tokyo

It is our desire to share the wonders of “green beauty” and the natural beauty of Edogawa, Japan through our komatsuna-infused skincare products. Discover a greener side to J-beauty today — shop our collection.