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Seed | Wild Red Chinese Broccoli

Seed | Wild Red Chinese Broccoli

$3.99 CAD
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A rare cultivar of Chinese broccoli with distinctive purple hues, ideal for northern vegetable gardens. Offers a robust, slightly peppery flavor and a crisp texture.

A LITTLE HISTORY

Wild Chinese broccoli, also known as choy sum, is an ancient and delicious variety of Asian vegetable. Here's a look at its history and characteristics:

  • History and characteristics

Botanical Name and Meaning: Wild Chinese broccoli is botanically known as Brassica rapa var. parachinensis. “Choy Sum” literally translates to “plant heart” in Chinese, highlighting its tender and delicate nature.

Member of the Chinensis family: It is one of the thinner and leafier members of the Chinensis family. Unlike common broccoli, it does not form a compact head, but rather stems and leaves resembling celery and mustard.

  • Wild growth and traditional culture:

In parts of Asia, choy sum has grown wild since ancient times. It is cultivated for its leafy stems and green leaves, which offer a tender texture and slightly bitter flavor that is popular in many Asian dishes.

  • Distinctive features:

Wild Chinese broccoli is distinguished by its distinctive purple stems that extend along the central vein of its round, green leaves. It also produces yellow flower buds, adding a visual touch and unique flavor to dishes.

  • Culinary use

Preparation: The stems and leaves are often cut and used in a variety of Asian dishes. They can be stir-fried, steamed, added to soups, or mixed with other vegetables.

  • Flavor: Choy Sum offers a slightly bitter and grassy flavor, complemented by the sweetness of the yellow flower buds. Its tender texture makes it versatile in cooking, adapting well to sauces and seasonings.

In summary, wild Chinese broccoli, or choy sum, is not only an integral part of traditional Asian cuisine, but also a plant with a rich cultural and culinary history. Its cultivation and use continue to be valued for their contribution to food diversity and nutrition in many cuisines around the world.

PROPERTIES

Choy sum, in addition to being delicious in Asian cuisine, also has several medicinal and nutraceutical properties that are beneficial for health. Here's a look at its nutritional properties and potential

  • health benefits:
  • Nutritional Properties
  • Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
  • Protein: 1.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Dietary fiber: 2.8 g
  • Vitamins
  • Folates: 425 mcg
  • Niacin: 0.8 mg
  • Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): 0.09 mg
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.1 mg
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.01 mg
  • Vitamin A: 767 IU
  • Vitamin C: 46 mg
  • Electrolytes
  • Sodium: 13 mg
  • Potassium: 340 mg
  • Minerals
  • Calcium: 70 mg
  • Iron: 1.7 mg
  • Magnesium: 12 mg
  • Phosphorus: 40 mg
  • Zinc: 0.5 mg
  • Potential Health Benefits
    Osteoporosis Prevention: Choy sum is rich in calcium, which is essential for bone health. Regular consumption can help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.
  • Prevention of anemia: Its high iron and folate content makes it a beneficial food for preventing iron deficiency anemia and anemia due to folate deficiency.
  • Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: The potassium in Choy Sum can help maintain healthy blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Cancer Prevention: Vitamins A and C, along with dietary fiber, in choy sum are antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including colon and prostate cancer.
  • Immune System Support: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in strengthening the immune system, helping to fight infections and maintain optimal health.
  • Metabolic Support: The B vitamins in Choy Sum support energy metabolism and nerve function.

By incorporating Choy Sum into a balanced and varied diet, it is possible to benefit from its many nutrients and health-promoting properties, thus contributing to a better overall quality of life.

HOW TO COOK?

Choy sum, or wild Chinese broccoli, is a delicious and versatile vegetable in Asian cuisine. Here are some traditional methods for preparing it:

  • Stir-fried with Choy Sum
    Ingredients :

Choy Sum, washed and drained
Sesame oil or vegetable oil
Minced garlic
Soy sauce
Salt and pepper
Instructions :

Cut the choy sum stems into equal-sized pieces and separate the leaves.
Heat a little oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and fry quickly until golden and fragrant.
Add the choy sum stems and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Add the choy sum leaves and continue to stir-fry for another minute until slightly wilted.
Season with soy sauce to taste, salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish with rice or other main dishes.

  • Choy Sum Steam
    Ingredients :

Choy Sum, washed and drained
Oyster sauce (optional)
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Fresh ginger, thinly sliced
Instructions :

Cut the choy sum stems into equal-sized pieces and arrange them on a steaming plate.
Add a few slices of fresh ginger on top.
Heat water in a steamer until boiling.
Place the steamer plate with the choy sum on the steamer and cover. Steam for about 5-7 minutes, until the stems are tender.
Remove from the steamer and drizzle lightly with sesame oil, soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using).
Serve hot as a nutritious and healthy side dish.

  • Stir-fried Choy Sum with Garlic
    Ingredients :
  • Choy Sum, washed and drained
    Olive oil
    Chopped garlic
    Salt and pepper
  • Instructions :

Cut the choy sum stems into equal-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped garlic and fry until golden and fragrant.
Add the choy sum stems and stir-fry for a few minutes until tender.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot as a side dish with other Asian dishes or as a main course with rice.

  • Additional tips:
    Choy Sum pairs well with Asian sauces like soy sauce, oyster sauce, or oyster sauce to add flavor.
    Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like ginger, chili, or sesame seeds to vary the flavors.
    Make sure not to overcook the Choy Sum to retain its crisp texture and nutrients.
    By using these simple methods, you can fully enjoy the delicate flavor and many nutritional benefits of Choy Sum in your everyday dishes.

 

  • Stir-fried Choy Sum with Garlic
    Ingredients :

1 bunch of Choy Sum, washed and drained
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as peanut or olive oil)
Light soy sauce, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Instructions: Preparation of Choy Sum:

Cut the choy sum stems into equal sized pieces, separating the leaves if they are large.

  • Cooking: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute, until golden brown and fragrant.
Adding Choy Sum:

Add the choy sum pieces to the wok. Start with the thicker stems and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.

  • Skip the leaves:

Add the choy sum leaves to the wok. Stir-fry them with the stems for another 1 to 2 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

  • Seasoning:

Season with a drizzle of light soy sauce. Be careful not to add too much salt, as the soy sauce is already salty.
Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine all ingredients.

  • Service :

Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
Serve hot as a side dish with steamed rice or as a main course with other Asian dishes.
This recipe highlights the freshness and crunch of choy sum, while adding the rich flavor of sautéed garlic. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious and versatile vegetable in your everyday cooking.

HOW TO GROW?

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

  • Species: Brassica rapa var parachinensis, Brassica rapa var purpurea
  • Sowing: Early April-May (consecutive sowing every 2-3 weeks until September and October in an outdoor greenhouse or cold frame greenhouse to have this vegetable during the winter with garden cover in the greenhouse)
  • Seeds: 3 seeds per cell or pot in April. From mid-May, put the seeds directly into the ground.
    A little growing tip: put garlic, onions, shallots or leeks between each plant, this will prevent you from having diseases.
  • Sowing depth: 1 cm
  • Germination time 6-10 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and well-drained
  • Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
  • Spacing between plants: 4-6 cm
  • Height at maturity: 50 to 80 cm
  • Maturity 35-45 days
  • Seed per envelope: +/- 100
    Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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