Nanohana (rapeseed blossom)

Fleurs de colza (nanohana)

What it is

The nanohana on a February plate is the flowering shoot of the rape whose oil lit the lamps of Edo — the same plant, picked before the buds open instead of run on to seed. Growers cut it while the yellow is still shut, because an open flower means the stem has already gone woody.

In the kitchen

Blanch sixty to ninety seconds in well-salted water, straight into cold, then squeeze hard — waterlogged nanohana dilutes any dressing you put on it. Stems in first, flowering tips ten seconds later.

Goes with

Karashi (Japanese mustard) Soy sauce Katsuobushi (dried bonito) Sesame Clam Kombu

Same species

Baek-kimchi Broccoli Brussels sprout Cabbage Cauliflower Cavolo nero

In season alongside

Dandelion greens Belgian endive Fuki (butterbur stalk) Pak choi Pea shoots Radicchio

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