Kikurage Secrets: Learn What Experts Are Calling the ‘Spring Vegetable’ Mirage!

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:02:48 +0000

Kikurage Secrets: Unraveling the ‘Spring Vegetable’ Mirage! If you’ve been hearing buzz about kikurage touted as a “spring vegetable” but remain puzzled by the conflicting stories, you’re not alone. With marketers, chefs, and nutrition experts spinning fascinating tales—and sometimes conflicting science—about kikurage’s elusive qualities, deciphering fact from hype has become a challenge. In this article, we uncover the real kikurage secrets behind the spring vegetable mirage and reveal what experts truly say about this vibrant, underrated tuber. ### What Exactly Is Kikurage? Kikurage (学名: Tuber Lactifendo, or Tuber sindurus), commonly known in Japan as kikurage or “lion’s mane root,” is a tuber from the Armillaria mushroom family—though botanically distinct from true mushrooms. Despite its late-spring availability and seasonal appeal, kikurage is not a true spring vegetable; rather, it earns its nickname due to its emergence during warmer months and the unique texture and flavor that evoke seasonal change in cuisine.