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Seed | Broccoli Yu Choi Sum
  • Seed | Broccoli Yu Choi Sum
Seed | Broccoli Yu Choi Sum

Seed | Broccoli Yu Choi Sum

$3.99 CAD
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Yu Choi Sum broccoli seeds are an Asian variety prized for their tender stems and delicate floral bouquets. A robust cultivar offering excellent disease resistance and abundant production.
A LITTLE HISTORY

Yu Choi Sum Broccoli, also known as choi sum, choi sam, or cai xin in Mandarin, is a leafy vegetable that has been a favorite in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Native to mainland China, it has been cultivated since at least the 5th century. Over time, choi sum cultivation has expanded, giving rise to many new varieties that have enriched culinary diversity in China and spread to neighboring countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand.

  • Evolution of Culture and Popularity
    Origins and Expansion: Choi sum has been cultivated for its slender stems and oval leaves for centuries in China. As its popularity grew, it became one of the most sought-after vegetables in local markets throughout Asia and Southeast Asia. Its presence has also spread throughout the Chinese diaspora, particularly in Europe, Australia, and the United States, where it is available in specialty grocery stores and Asian markets.
  • Botanical Characteristics: Choi sum is distinguished by its smooth, crisp stems, typically measuring 15 to 20 centimeters in length. Its leaves are broad, flat, and slightly serrated, surrounding buds with edible yellow flowers. These flowers not only add to the vegetable's texture but also to its peppery, subtle mustard flavor.
  • Flavor and Texture: Choi sum is prized for its juicy, tender, and crisp texture, as well as its mild flavor with occasional hints of bitterness. Flavor can vary depending on the age of the plant: younger stems tend to be sweeter, while more mature stems offer a more robust and tangy flavor.
  • Use in the Kitchen
    Cooking Instructions: Choi sum is versatile in cooking. It can be quickly stir-fried with garlic and ginger, added to soups, or simply blanched and served with a light soy sauce as an accompaniment to meat or seafood.
  • Cultural Importance: In China, choi sum is valued not only for its nutritional value but also for its symbolism. Its Cantonese name, choi sum, literally "heart vegetable," reflects its importance as a central ingredient in many traditional dishes.

In conclusion, Yu Choi Sum broccoli embodies China's rich history and culinary diversity, while playing a crucial role in Asian cuisines around the world. Its popularity continues to grow thanks to its exceptional nutritional qualities and culinary versatility, ensuring its place on international plates and markets.
PROPERTIES

As a leafy green vegetable, broccoli yu choi sum is known for its many health-promoting properties, although its specific medicinal properties are not as widely documented as those of some other vegetables or herbs. Here are some potential medicinal properties associated with choi sum:

  • Rich in Essential Nutrients
    Choi sum is an excellent source of essential vitamins such as vitamin C, which is important for the immune system, skin, and cardiovascular health.
  • It also contains vitamins A, K and various B-complex vitamins, which play crucial roles in several bodily functions, including vision, blood clotting and nutrient metabolism.
  • Antioxidants
    Like most green vegetables, choy sum is rich in antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress and potentially the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects
    The antioxidants and phytochemicals in choi sum may have anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of green vegetables like choi sum can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is often associated with various health conditions.
  • Digestive Support
    Choi sum is a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system by promoting regular bowel movements and supporting a balanced intestinal flora.
  • Cardiovascular Potential
    The potassium in choi sum can help maintain normal blood pressure. Additionally, its nutrients, such as vitamin K, can promote proper blood clotting, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
    Use and Precautions
  • To get the most out of choi sum's nutrients, it is recommended to eat it fresh and lightly cooked to preserve its nutritional properties.

As with any food, it is advisable to wash it thoroughly before consumption to eliminate any potential contamination.
In summary, although Yu Choi Sum Broccoli is not generally considered a medicinal plant in its own right, its rich composition of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber makes it an excellent choice to support a healthy and balanced diet. Regularly incorporating this vegetable into your diet can help improve your overall health and well-being in the long term.
HOW TO COOK?

Traditionally, broccoli yu choi sum, also known as choi sum or cai xin, is prepared in a variety of ways in Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese cuisine. Here are some traditional methods for cooking choi sum:

  • Stir-fried Choi Sum with Garlic and Onion
    Ingredients :
    Yu Choi Sum broccoli, washed and drained
    Garlic, minced
    Onion, chopped
    Vegetable oil (preferably sesame oil for an Asian flavor)
    Soy sauce
    Salt and pepper
    Instructions :
    Preparation of Choi Sum:

Cut the choi sum stems into equal-sized pieces, separating the leaves if necessary.
Jump :

Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and onion, and sauté until golden and fragrant.
Cooking Choi Sum:

Add the choy sum to the wok. Stir quickly to coat the vegetables with the oil, garlic, and onion.
Add one to two tablespoons of soy sauce for seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finishing :

Stir-fry the choi sum for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the stems are tender but still crisp and the leaves are wilted.
Remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish with rice or noodles, or as a light vegetarian dish.

  • Blanched Choi Sum with Oyster Sauce
    Ingredients :
    Yu Choi Sum broccoli, washed and drained
    Oyster sauce
    Sesame oil
    Optional: grated fresh ginger, red pepper flakes
    Instructions :
    Preparation of Choi Sum:

Trim the choi sum stems if necessary and separate the leaves.
Blanch the Choi Sum:

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
Dip the choi sum in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp.
Drain well and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and retain the bright green color.
Preparation of the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, gently heat the oyster sauce with a little sesame oil. Add grated ginger and red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor.
Drain the blanched choi sum and arrange it in a serving dish.
Pour the hot oyster sauce over the choi sum and toss gently to coat.
Serve hot as an accompaniment to meat or seafood dishes, with rice or noodles.

Remarks :
Choi sum is often used quickly cooked to preserve its crisp texture and nutrients.
You can adjust the seasonings according to your personal taste and spiciness preferences.
These traditional cooking methods highlight the freshness and delicate flavor of Yu Choi Sum Broccoli, providing an authentic dining experience that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish in Asian cuisine.
HOW TO GROW?

This broccoli is super productive, it can be grown very early in spring, summer, autumn and it even tolerates the cold of winter in our outdoor greenhouses or in a cold frame. We grow this superfood all year round, it is one of my favorite vegetables.

If you want to grow them for the winter, you should start them around mid-August-September; they tolerate the cold very well. We have adapted our seeds so that they tolerate our winter cold.

What I like about this variety is that you can cut the outer stems and it will grow back several times.

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

  • Species: Brassica rapa var. parachinensis
  • Sowing: Beginning of 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 and put in the ground around mid-May or from mid-May, put the seeds directly in the ground.
  • A little growing tip: put garlic, onions, shallots or leeks between each plant, this will prevent you from having diseases :)
  • Sowing depth: 0.5-1 cm
  • Germination time: 3-7 days
  • Soil: Poor, humus-rich, loose and well-drained
  • Location: Sun and tolerates shade and cold very well
  • Spacing between plants: 20-25cm
  • Height at maturity 35-45cm
  • Maturity: 40-45 days
  • Seed per envelope: +/- 100

Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

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