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… Continue reading Choy Sum
Category: Vegetables
Potatoes
Ingredient Name: Potatoes Traditional Chinese Name: 土豆 (tudou) What is this? Potatoes are the fourth most popular crop in the world They are very starchy and are usually cooked before eating The best potatoes to use in soups are round red potatoes, round white potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes Despite their reputation, potatoes can be a… Continue reading Potatoes
Corn
Ingredient Name: Corn or Maize Traditional Chinese Name: 玉米 (yù mǐ) What is this? Corn is the produce (ears) of a maize plant which resemble bamboo canes There are varying types, species and preservation of corn in different cultures and traditions around the world The maize is harvested when the maize is mature, but… Continue reading Corn
Celery
Ingredient Name: Celery Traditional Chinese Name: 芹菜 (qín cài) What is this? A very popular vegetable, the celery can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups and stir-fry dishes Celery has a crunchy texture and a distinctive, slightly bitter taste How do I prepare it? Wash thoroughly in cool water For a less bitter taste,… Continue reading Celery
Green Onions
Ingredient Name: Green Onions, Spring Onions, Salad Onions Traditional Chinese Name: 青蔥 (qīng cōng) What is this? Green onions are young shoots of bulb onions, and are milder tasting than large bulb onions They have a small, not fully developed white bulb end with long green stalks When buying green onions, look for ones with… Continue reading Green Onions
Carrots
Ingredient Name: Carrots Traditional Chinese Name: 胡蘿蔔 (hú luóbo) What is this? Carrots are a very popular root vegetable and need no introduction They may eaten raw (hard and crunchy) or cooked (soft and mushy) Carrots are typically used when making any stock soup How do I prepare it? Wash carrots with cool water, peel the skin,… Continue reading Carrots
Oxtail and vegetable soup
Soup Name: Oxtail and vegetable soup Traditional Chinese Name: 牛尾湯 (niu wei tāng) Introduction: This healthy and hearty soup is perfect during cold winter months and is a (low carb) meal all by itself. It contains no chinese herbs or additives and is very easy to make with fresh local market ingredients. Change up the… Continue reading Oxtail and vegetable soup
Mui Choi (Mui Choy)
Ingredient Name: Mui Choi, Mui Choy, Pickled Chinese Cabbage Traditional Chinese Name: 梅菜 (mui choi) What is this? Mui choy is preserved (pickled) chinese cabbage It is a traditional preparation method used to preserve food after the harvest for winter months and consumption at the later time It is commonly used in braised dishes (such… Continue reading Mui Choi (Mui Choy)
Bok Choy
Ingredient Name: Bok Choy or Chinese Cabbage Traditional Chinese Name: 白菜 (báicài) What is this? Bok Choy is part of the cabbage family and is often called chinese cabbage It has thick, white stalks and dark green leaves that have a round shape Bok choy is available as mature bok choy or baby bok choy… Continue reading Bok Choy
Chinese Yam (Fresh)
Ingredient Name: Fresh Chinese Yam, Nagaimo, Yamaimo, Japanese Mountain Yam, Korean Yam, Dioscorea Opposita How do I prepare it? Where can I buy this? What is the cost? Chinese yam costs around $1.50 CAD for 2 medium sized roots Any benefits? It is often used in combination with meats and other Chinese herbs to help digestion and regular… Continue reading Chinese Yam (Fresh)