Junsai (water shield)

Brasenia schreberi

vegetable

Rolled young leaves of a water lily, wrapped in a clear jelly, served cold in vinaigrette or in miso.

Origin

Japan (Akita) and China

Season (United States)

May to August

Preparation

It is bought in jars or pouches, already blanched: it is rinsed only lightly, so as not to lose its jelly, and served cold.

Molecules

MucilagesIn small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

In Akita, they are harvested by hand from small boats on the ponds in spring.