NATURE

Sansai — 6 Helpful Herbs that Herald Spring

Wild vegetables, or sansai, play an important role in Japanese cuisine

Sansai vegetarian feast at Shinto lodging near Mount Haguro, Yamagata. (©Diane Tincher)

Washoku, Japanese cuisine, is a celebration of seasonal dishes, and sansai, 山菜, wild mountain vegetables, play a starring role. Elderly folks have told me of the long-held belief that whatever foods are in season are what our bodies…