Hello Ina-san,
I was so impressed with you on the Nova podcast. I didn’t know “ethnobotany” existed! I am from NYC but live in Tsu, Mie prefecture, Japan, in the countryside. Two years ago, I saw an old woman picking something on the bank of a river. She called it “tsukushi,” which my dictionary translates as “a spore shoot of the field horsetail.” I picked it and cooked it for my Japanese wife, who hadn’t eaten it since her grandmother cooked it for her 45 years ago. Of course, she was very impressed.
People are so seasonal here. In February, “nanohana,” or “rape blossoms” are eaten. Spring shoots are popular. And all manner of seaweed —is there a field of marine ethnobotany? I can buy fresh kelp at the local market for a dollar. I don’t know, but I guess it’s good for you. If you ever come to Japan, I’d be so pleased to help interpret for you, or even to show you where to find salsa dancing in Osaka. (I tried, but 2 left feet – my secret passion is Irish fiddle).
All the best, happy hunting,
Peter