Mitsuba – Japanese parsely (Cryptotaenia japonica) is an underutilized hardy herbaceous shade loving perennial which will gently self sow. Its name Mitsuba means ‘three leaves’ in Japanese and it is also known as Japanese wild parsley. It does have a parsley like taste but with hints of celery and chervil and a very fresh green flavour. It is best used fresh and uncooked or added to hot dishes as a garnish at the last stage of cooking. It is best grown in a shady area (as its natural habitat is damp temperate woodlands) as leaves will become bitter if grown in full sun, it can also be grown in a container and will reach about 30-60cm tall. It has very pretty white flowers, but the leaves are the most commonly eaten part, although the roots are edible and the seeds can be used for seasoning in the same way you might use celery seed. Definitely one to introduce to your perennial vegetable garden and let it do its thing. Plants die back in autumn and re-emerge in early spring.