Food · Fermented foods

Tsuruna (New Zealand Spinach)

つるな (Tsuruna)

Also known as: Tsuruna, New Zealand spinach, Tetragonia tetragonoides, 蔓菜, Hama-jisha

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameつるな
Common Japanese notationsつるな, 蔓菜, ツルナ, ハマジシャ
OriginNew Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides); native to Pacific coastal regions of Japan, also globally distributed; salt-tolerant coastal succulent green
Typical functionsCoastal regional cuisine, Salt-tolerant green for traditional cooking
Regulatory status in JapanStandard agricultural product labeling. Not a designated allergen.

Tsuruna (つるな / 蔓菜) is New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides), a salt-tolerant coastal succulent green native to Japanese Pacific coastal regions. The OEM positioning is coastal regional specialty.

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Classification

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Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Fresh tsuruna (regional, summer seasonal)

Ingredient profile

Tsuruna is Tetragonia tetragonoides, a salt-tolerant coastal succulent.

OEM applications

Coastal regional cooking, ohitashi, simmered preparations.

For OEM: regional retail.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUTetragonia tetragonoides is global. Niche specialty positioning.
USAEstablished as 'New Zealand spinach' retail.
ChinaNiche specialty positioning.
KoreaNiche specialty positioning.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification of regional origin.

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Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Tsuruna (New Zealand Spinach)?
Tsuruna (つるな / 蔓菜) is New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides), a salt-tolerant coastal succulent green native to Japanese Pacific coastal regions. The OEM positioning is coastal regional specialty.
What is the regulatory status of Tsuruna (New Zealand Spinach) in Japan?
Standard agricultural product labeling. Not a designated allergen.
What products typically use Tsuruna (New Zealand Spinach)?
Fresh tsuruna (regional, summer seasonal)
Where does Tsuruna (New Zealand Spinach) come from?
New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides); native to Pacific coastal regions of Japan, also globally distributed; salt-tolerant coastal succulent green
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Tsuruna (New Zealand Spinach)?
JSCI: つるな

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References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — つるな

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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