Mizuna
Crop Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Mizuna
In this guide, we are going to cover all the need-to-know details about mizuna, including health benefits, recipes, and facts that you can share with your friends and family.
What is mizuna?
What does mizuna pair well with?
Mizuna recipes
Mizuna benefits
What is mizuna?
Also known as the spider plant, Mizuna is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the mustard family. It is a native Japanese vegetable that is commonly used in Asian dishes. It has a texture that is similar to lettuce or spinach but has a slightly bitter and peppery flavor that is unique to the plant.
Mizuna facts
Mizuna is an interesting vegetable that has a rich history and a range of culinary uses. Here are some more fun facts about our spiky friend:
Mizuna is believed to have originated in China and was brought to Japan in the 8th century.
The name "mizuna" comes from the Japanese words "mizu," which means water, and "na," which means greens, because Mizuna grows well in wet and humid conditions and is often found near streams and rivers.
Mizuna is also known as "spider mustard" because of the shape of its leaves, which have long, slender stems that resemble spider legs.
Mizuna is a fast-growing vegetable that can be harvested in as few as 21 days after planting.
Mizuna is a good companion plant for other vegetables, such as tomatoes and peppers, as it can help repel pests and improve soil quality.
Purple Mizuna
At our organic farm in Arlington, VA, we grow the purple mizuna variety and harvest when the mizuna plant is young. Purple mizuna has a mild, peppery flavor similar to other varieties of mizuna, with a hint of mustard-like spiciness.
What does mizuna pair well with?
Mizuna pairs well with a hodgepodge of ingredients and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Here are some popular pairings:
Citrus
Soy sauce
Sesame
Miso
Seafood
Noodles
Mizuna recipes
Try our fresh spring rolls featuring Mizuna
In Japan, mizuna is traditionally used in a dish called "namasu," which is a salad made with thinly sliced vegetables and a vinegar-based dressing. In French cuisine, mizuna is a popular addition to warm and cold dishes, and is known as "Japanese greens" or "Japanese mustard."
Mizuna’s unique flavor and nutritional value are making it a popular ingredient around the world.
Mizuna's texture and mild flavor make it a great addition to noodle dishes, such as udon or soba. It can be added to the broth or used as a topping. It is also used in soups and stews with miso-based broths.
What are some mizuna benefits?
Mizuna is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that provides several health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of mizuna:
Rich in antioxidants: Mizuna contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help protect the body against free radical damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
High in vitamin K: Mizuna is a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.
Low in calories: Mizuna is a low-calorie vegetable, which makes it a great addition to a weight-loss diet.
Packed with anti-inflammatory properties: Mizuna contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Supports digestion: Mizuna is a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestion and prevent constipation.
Supports immune system: Mizuna is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and can help protect against infections.
This Week’s Harvest
Area 2 Farms harvests greens and microgreens, herbs, and root vegetables every week, and delivers them to your doorstep the next day. That means that each week, you receive a rotation of organically-grown, seasonal produce (and specialty items) that are uber-local and undeniably fresh.
We offer different harvest subscriptions to meet your needs. You can check out our 4-Week and 10-Week subscriptions to choose what works best for you.
Want to try us out before you commit? Experience our harvest for 1 week. If you’re sold (and we’re betting you will be) we’ll credit the $50 to your first 4-week or 10-week subscription.
