Hiroshimana-zuke: Hiroshima Leaf-Mustard Pickles
Hiroshimana-zuke is a Hiroshima pickle made from the broad leaves and thick stems of the Hiroshima-na vegetable. Young pickles retain a vivid green color, crisp bite and faint mustard-like...
At a glance
| Name | Hiroshimana-zuke: Hiroshima Leaf-Mustard Pickles (Hiroshimana) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Hiroshima |
| Region | Chugoku |
| Type | Salt-and-koji-pickled leafy vegetable |
What is it?
Hiroshimana-zuke is a Hiroshima pickle made from the broad leaves and thick stems of the Hiroshima-na vegetable. Young pickles retain a vivid green color, crisp bite and faint mustard-like aroma and are eaten with rice or drinks.
Kawauchi in Hiroshima City's Asaminami Ward is its best-known production area. Harvested mainly from November to January, the greens are first salted to draw out moisture and then pickled again with salt, koji and other seasonings; long aging creates sourness and deeper savor.
History and local context
Several origin stories exist, while the vegetable's name was standardized as Hiroshima-na in 1933. Producers exploit its wide, relatively tender leaves by layering and pickling the plants in large pieces.
A young pickle eaten about three or four days after the main pickling highlights green color and crunch. An old pickle aged for more than six months darkens and gains lactic acidity, making it suitable for chopping, dressing and stir-frying.
How to enjoy it
Slice a young pickle into leaf and stem portions and serve with rice, or use a broad leaf to wrap rice and fillings like a leaf-wrapped rice ball or roll. Avoid excessive rinsing that removes its aroma and balanced saltiness.
Check whether a pack is young or aged, whole-leaf or chopped, and whether refrigeration is required. JA Hiroshima City operates a direct shop at its Hiroshima-na Pickle Center in Kawauchi and also provides ordering information.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hiroshimana-zuke: Hiroshima Leaf-Mustard Pickles from?
It is associated with Hiroshima, in the Chugoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Hiroshimana-zuke: Hiroshima Leaf-Mustard Pickles?
This guide classifies it as salt-and-koji-pickled leafy vegetable. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Hiroshimana-zuke: Hiroshima Leaf-Mustard Pickles online?
Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.
Order from Japan
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