In Japan, when sansai (山菜) or mountain vegetables appear in markets and on menus, it is a sign that spring is near. Sansai include the edible buds and shoots of plants that grow naturally in the wild and are foraged as the snows melt. Although the word ‘sansai' refers to wild vegetables, some have been successfully cultivated and are now farm grown. Sansai often appear in early spring menus in simmered and rice dishes. Although it is said that they are best served as tempura