Why source from Japan
Kyo-Yasai registry; rounder, smoother leaf distinct from mizuna; Mibu-district heritage.
Key spec
Slightly more pungent isothiocyanate profile; vitamin C 30-50 mg/100g; calcium 180-260 mg/100g.
Typical end-product
Fine-dining tsukemono, premium retail Kyo-Yasai, Kyoto kaiseki garnish.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 5–25 kg fresh
- Typical lead time
- 2–4 weeks (in season)
- Regions of origin
- Kyoto (Mibu, Saiin districts)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- November – February
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; Kyo-Yasai registry
- Japanese name
- 壬生菜
- Romaji
- 壬生菜
About this ingredient
Heirloom Kyoto leafy mustard, the rounder-leaf cousin of mizuna. Kyo-Yasai-registered. The distinctive narrow, smooth leaf shape (vs serrated mizuna) and slightly more pungent flavour position it for fine-dining tsukemono and salad applications. Mibu and Saiin districts of Kyoto are the heritage cultivation regions. Distinct from existing vegetable entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; Kyo-Yasai registry |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; phytosanitary |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; phytosanitary |
| China | GACC; phytosanitary |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Mibuna (Kyoto Heirloom Mustard) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Phase 1 manufacturer onboarding is in progress. If you are actively sourcing this ingredient and would like to be introduced to candidate Japanese producers, send an inquiry and our team will return with options.
Disclaimer
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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
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Last updated: 2026-05-05