described species, named S. sieboldii, in dedication to the German-Dutch botanist and japanologist Philipp Franz von Siebold, is considered to be a synonym. Cultivation S. affinis is planted as a bulb (vegetative) in spring (March–May). Multiple bulbs are planted deep into a hole of dimensions . The plant can achieve a height of . Weeding is necessary but it is important not to damage the root system. A sufficient water supply during summer is important. Harvest is from November to March. It is important that the soil is not frozen when harvesting. The storage of S. affinis tubers is difficult. Because of their thin skin, they can be stored only for a few days, about a week in a fridge. An alternative can be a fresh ongoing harvesting out of humid sand, thereby the tubers stay fresh for several months. Usage Culinary The tubers have a crunchy texture and a sweet, nutty flavour. They can be eaten raw, pickled, dried or cooked. A wide range of uses for this vegetable leads to various dishes in the cuisine of many countries. They can be prepared similarly to Jerusalem artichokes. The leaves can be dried and made into a tea. In Chinese and Japanese cuisine, S. affinis is primarily pickled. In particular, its tuber is a part of , cooked for celebrating Japanese New Year. Dyed red by leaves of Perilla (red ) after being pickled, it is called . In Korea it is called (). In French cuisine, its cooked tuber is often served alongside dishes named japonaise or Japanese-styled. Medicinal In traditional Chinese medicine, the entirety of S. affinis is used as an agent to treat colds and pneumonia. In addition, root extract of S. affinis has shown antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, Baek et al. observed antioxidant activity in 2004. Also in 2004 inhibitory effects on acetylcholine esterase, monoamine oxidase and xanthine oxidase activities were observed in rat brains after 20 days of feeding with methanolic extracts of S. affinis. Ethanol extract from this plant also seems to have antitumour activity. References External links Stachys affinis in Plants for a Future database Crosnes affinis Root vegetables Japanese vegetables Taxa named by Alexander von Bunge Plants described in 1833