Nanohana (菜の花) is aJapanese generic name for flowers of theBrassicaceae family. The related term,nabana (菜花, 'vegetable flower'), refers to the flowers andleaf stalks ofturnip,napa cabbage,cabbage,brown mustard,zha cai, andbroccoli, belonging to the Brassicaceae family, commonly used inJapanese cuisine.[1] A type ofnabana, the rapeseed plant (Brassica napus),[2] is used to producerapeseed oil (nataneyu).Nabana is also used for decoration.[1]
| Nabana | |
|---|---|
 Ohitashi (boiled rapeseed blossom) | |
| Species | Brassica napus |
The florets, stems, and leaves are all edible, and are commonly boiled and served withdashi (stock) andkatsuobushi (bonito flakes).[3] The shoots may also be pickled or served as a salad with mustard.[4]
A festival celebrating the spring bloom ofnanohana, calledNanohana Matsuri, is held annually in Japan.[5]
| Species | |
|---|---|
| Cultivars | |
