Ingredient Name: Choy Sum
Traditional Chinese Name: 菜心 (càixīn)
What is this?
- It is literally “vegetable hearts”
- Choy sum tastes like mild spinach with no bitterness
- It can be distinguished from other asian vegetables by the yellow flower cluster found at the center of the leaves. For this reason, it is also referred to as the chinese flowering cabbage
- Choy sum has a good shelf life of up to a week in the fridge
- It is a very popular vegetable in Chinese cuisine
How do I prepare it?
- Wash thoroughly with cool water (choy sum may have some dirt where the leaves meet the stalk)
- Remove any wilted or yellow leaves
Where can I buy this?
- You can buy fresh choy sum from most supermarkets
- When selecting this vegetable, choose crisp green leaves that are without insect bites, avoid yellow or discolored leaves and check the bottom of the stalks to see how healthy the plant is. The stalks should be firm and white on the inside
What is the cost?
- Fresh choy sum is very affordable
Any benefits?
- It is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber
Any precautions?
- You must soak and clean prior to consumption to remove any pesticides and dirt
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