Angelica keiskei, known as Ashitaba (pronounced "ah-shee-tah-bah" in Japanese), is a herb native to Japan, specifically the island of Hachijo. It belongs to the Angelica genus in the Apiaceae family and is a perennial herb.
Ashitaba derives its name from its remarkable vitality. When harvested today, it sprouts new leaves tomorrow, withstands typhoons without damage, and rapidly regrows even after volcanic eruptions.
Ashitaba from Hachijo Island boasts the highest Chalcone content, a type of flavonoid. The plant is a natural nutritional treasure trove, containing an extensive and balanced array of nutrients, including chlorophyll, vitamins, dietary fiber, proteins, 16 amino acids, over 20 essential minerals, and unique compounds. Native to volcanic regions in Japan, especially abundant on Hachijo Island, it is associated with lower cancer and hypertension rates among the local population, as well as a higher number of centenarians. This has led to the island's nickname as the "Longevity Island."
