Herb

Cryptotaenia japonica

S tier

Cryptotaenia japonica is mitsuba—three-leaflet Japanese parsley with clean, elegant herbal taste between celery and sorrel, never as aggressive as Western parsley. Essential as a last-second garnish for soups, chawanmushi, and simmered dishes. Species identity matters versus other Apiaceae garnishes. Grow in shade and moisture; summer heat toughens leaves. Stems are as useful as leaflets in Japanese plating.