Cultivation
of Mitsuba
Site:
It succeeds in most soils, preferring a moist shady
position under trees where it often self-sows. The
leaves tend to turn yellow when plants are grown in
full sun. It is not winter-hardy, though plants can
tolerate short periods at temperatures down to about
50°F. Mitsuba wants good watering, though (like
most herbs) doesn't like "wet feet", so
arrange for good. drainage.
Propagation:
Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. Germination is usually
rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots
when they are large enough to handle and plant them
out in early summer. The ideal temperature for sowing
is about 77°F, though seed does germinate at higher
and lower temperatures. Seed can also be sown in early
autumn.
Growing:
Mitsuba is commonly cultivated as a vegetable
in Japan and there are some named varieties. It does
not always survive the winter and so it is usually
grown as an annual. The main problem with growing
it is that the plant is adored by slugs and snails
and must be protected when small or when new growth
is emerging in the spring.
Harvesting:
Harvest a few leaves as needed. Left uncut, the plant
can reach two feet in height. Keep the small, white
blossoms trimmed. Note well that to preserve its fragrance,
it should never be more than at very most briefly
parboiled: add it to cooked dishes just before serving.
Culinary
Uses: The leaves and stems can be eaten raw
or cooked, they have a parsley like flavor. The seedlings
and young leaves can be used in salads whilst older
leaves are used as a flavouring. When cooking, the
leaves should not be cooked for more than a couple
of minutes or the flavour is destroyed.
Use in soup or salad.
Looks similar to Italian parsley. All parts of the
plant can be eaten, including the roots and seeds.
The attractive trefoil leaves are used in Japanese
flower arranging, and the stems are tied in a knot
to decorate dishes at Japanese weddings to bring good
luck.
The
flavour is reminiscent of celery mixed with a bit
of parsley, sorrel and coriander!
