Food · Fermented foods
Tsurumurasaki (Malabar Spinach)
つるむらさき (Tsurumurasaki)
Also known as: Tsurumurasaki, Malabar spinach, Basella alba, Basella rubra, 蔓紫
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Tsurumurasaki (Malabar Spinach)? Tell usAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | つるむらさき |
| Common Japanese notations | つるむらさき, 蔓紫, ツルムラサキ |
| Origin | Malabar spinach (Basella alba / B. rubra), a tropical/subtropical climbing vine; modern domestic Japanese cultivation in summer months in various regions |
| Typical functions | Summer leafy green — heat-tolerant alternative to spinach, Mucilaginous quality similar to okra and natto, Ohitashi and salads |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard agricultural product labeling. Summer seasonal. Not a designated allergen. |
Tsurumurasaki (つるむらさき / 蔓紫) is Malabar spinach (Basella alba/B. rubra), a tropical climbing vine grown in Japan as a summer leafy green and heat-tolerant alternative to spinach. The OEM positioning is summer seasonal vegetable with distinctive mucilaginous quality.
Find OEM manufacturers
Browse Japanese OEM manufacturers that build products in this category. Filter by small lot, certifications, prefecture.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Fresh tsurumurasaki (summer seasonal)
Ingredient profile
Tsurumurasaki is Basella alba / B. rubra, a tropical climbing vine. The leaves and young stems are mucilaginous when cooked.
Production: summer seasonal Japanese cultivation in various regions.
OEM applications
Ohitashi — boiled and dressed.
Sauteed and added to soups.
Heat-tolerant summer green substitute for spinach.
For OEM: fresh summer seasonal retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Not a designated allergen.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Imported as Malabar spinach. Niche specialty. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty in Asian cuisine. |
| China | China has substantial Malabar spinach (落葵) tradition. |
| Korea | Niche specialty positioning. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification of regional origin.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Tsurumurasaki (Malabar Spinach)?
- Tsurumurasaki (つるむらさき / 蔓紫) is Malabar spinach (Basella alba/B. rubra), a tropical climbing vine grown in Japan as a summer leafy green and heat-tolerant alternative to spinach. The OEM positioning is summer seasonal vegetable with distinctive mucilaginous quality.
- What is the regulatory status of Tsurumurasaki (Malabar Spinach) in Japan?
- Standard agricultural product labeling. Summer seasonal. Not a designated allergen.
- What products typically use Tsurumurasaki (Malabar Spinach)?
- Fresh tsurumurasaki (summer seasonal)
- Where does Tsurumurasaki (Malabar Spinach) come from?
- Malabar spinach (Basella alba / B. rubra), a tropical/subtropical climbing vine; modern domestic Japanese cultivation in summer months in various regions
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Tsurumurasaki (Malabar Spinach)?
- JSCI: つるむらさき
Related ingredients — substitutes, pairings, processing chain
Often used with
Ingredients frequently paired in the same recipe or formulation.
Same category
Other ingredients in the same sub-category.
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Abura-age (Fried Thin Tofu)
油揚げ
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)
あげまき
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ago Dashi (Flying Fish Stock)
あごだし
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ahiru-niku (Domestic Duck)
あひる 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Aigamo-niku (Hybrid Duck)
かも あいがも 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
Related guides & how-to
Related case studies
Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
Search the academic literature
Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.
Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — つるむらさき
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.