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The Celtuce (Lactuca sativa var. angustana) belongs to Asteraceae (the Aster family). It is an annual or a biennial herb that is probably native to China. This herb can reach 60-100 cm in height. It was introduced into Japan in the ancient days. The stem is thick and the leaves are lanceolate, alternate. The leaves are slightly sweet flavour and used for mixed salads, beef broils. The stem is also used for raw or cooked. They are turning bitter when aging. The stem, which is split into thin strips and dried, is called "yama-kurage" (mountain jellyfish), and is used in stir-fries, salads, stews, pickles, etc.
This "sanchu 상추" is the Korean name. It comes from "sanchu ssam 상추쌈" (wrapping and eating with fresh vegetables). It is also known by the alternative name "chima sanchu ssam 치마상추쌈", where "chima 치마" means "wrap skirt", named because the fluffy, spreading shape of the leaves resembles a skirt.
In Japanese, it is called "kaki-chisha", "kuki-chisha" or "stem lettuce". Incidentally, the word "chisha" (苣) comes from the word "chichi-kusa" (乳草).
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