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The "Komochi-takana" (Brassica juncea var. integlifolia) belongs to Brassicaceae (the Mustard family). It is a winter annual herb that is native to China and a variety of leaf mustard (Brassica juncea var. cernua). The leaves are pale green, large, and lobed. While the leaves of the common leaf mustard are edible, those of "Komochi-takana" are harvested from the main stem and the side shoots that grow on the side stems and are edible. It is characterized by a subtle pungency and bitterness with a firm texture. It prefers mild winters and is not suitable for growing in areas with cold weather.
Varieties include Fukuoka's "蕾菜" (budding rape), "四川児菜" (Sichuan children's rape), "早太り湖南児菜" (early fat Hunan children's rape), "祝蕾" (Shuku-rai), "早生祝蕾" (early Shuku-rai), and "子宝菜" (Kodakara-na).
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