Why source from Japan
Aichi, Chiba, Saitama hydroponic / soil cultivation; Kyoto kaiseki and chawan-mushi use position it for fine-dining export.
Key spec
Vitamin C 13-20 mg/100g; characteristic delicate parsley-celery aroma; trifoliate leaf shape distinct.
Typical end-product
Chawan-mushi garnish, kaiseki broth herb, ozoni ingredient, premium retail.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 5–25 kg fresh
- Typical lead time
- 2–4 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Aichi (largest), Chiba, Saitama
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round (controlled cultivation); peak November – February
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; cultivation under JAS
- Japanese name
- 三つ葉
- Romaji
- 三つ葉
About this ingredient
Japanese parsley (Cryptotaenia japonica) — used for both the trifoliate leaf and stem. Aichi (largest), Chiba, and Saitama are the principal commercial producers. Used in chawan-mushi (egg custard), Kyoto kaiseki broth, ozoni (New Year soup), and as a ramen / udon garnish. Three forms in cuisine: ito-mitsuba (very thin shoots), kiri-mitsuba (cut leaves), and ne-mitsuba (whole-stem). Distinct from existing herb / vegetable entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; cultivation under JAS |
|---|---|
| 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
Mitsuba (Japanese Parsley) 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
Japan Ingredient Sourcing Platform introduces overseas buyers to Japanese ingredient manufacturers. The platform is an information service only and is not a party to any purchase, supply, or manufacturing contract between buyer and seller.
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.
The platform operator is not licensed to provide legal, regulatory, customs, tax, or professional advice. References to third-party companies, products, certifications, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) are factual and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Last updated: 2026-05-05