Food · Fermented foods
Tsukushi (Field Horsetail Shoots)
つくし (Tsukushi)
Also known as: Tsukushi, Field horsetail shoots, Equisetum arvense fertile shoots, 土筆
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | つくし |
| Common Japanese notations | つくし, 土筆, ツクシ |
| Origin | Fertile shoots of Equisetum arvense (field horsetail); wild-foraged in early spring; primarily a heritage foraging tradition rather than commercial supply |
| Typical functions | Spring sansai foraging tradition, Tsukushi-no-ohitashi heritage cuisine |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard agricultural product labeling. Note that horsetail contains thiaminase that can degrade vitamin B1 — heat treatment (boiling) deactivates this. Not a designated allergen. |
Tsukushi (つくし / 土筆) is the fertile shoot of Equisetum arvense (field horsetail), an early-spring sansai with deep cultural-heritage value but minimal commercial OEM supply. The traditional preparation involves removing the 'hakama' (papery rings) and boiling before consumption.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Limited fresh seasonal availability
What it is
Tsukushi is the fertile shoot of Equisetum arvense, with characteristic spore-bearing tip and segmented stem with papery hakama rings.
Note: contains thiaminase that requires heat treatment to deactivate.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Tsukushi-no-ohitashi — boiled and dressed.
Tsukushi tamago-toji — egg-bound preparation.
For OEM: very limited commercial scale.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Heat treatment recommended for thiaminase deactivation. Not a designated allergen.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Niche specialty / not commonly traded. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty / not commonly traded. |
| China | Niche specialty / not commonly traded. |
| Korea | Niche specialty / not commonly traded. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of regional foraging origin.
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Sharing similar functions
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From the same origin
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References
- MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — つくし
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.