Hon Tsai Tai
Brassica rapa
Similar veggies:
Kailaan, cime di rapa, hon Tsai Tai, bimi
A quick introduction
Hon tsai tai is an asian green composed by purple stems, green leaves and yellow flowers. While it is difficult to find in Dutch shops this green is often used in Chinese cooking. The green has a mild mustard flavor, and it is in some ways similar to cime di rapa (broccoli rabe). The crunchy flower stems of Hon tsai tai are deliciously sweet and can be eaten raw. The whole plant is edible, so use the stems, leaves and flowers!
Storage
As with all leafy greens we recommend washing hon tsai tai in cold water (we do pre-wash it at the farm), then dry it and store in a closed container in the fridge. This way it will keep for almost a week.
Season
Spring and fall
Suggestions for preparation
Hon tsai tai flower stems and flowers can be simply chopped up and added to salads. Hon Tsai tai is also delicious simply stir fried on its own, or added to a mix of vegetables for fried rice or noodles. Although Hon Tsai Tai is a Chinese vegetable we found that it is very similar to Cime di Rapa and can be used in Italian dishes as well.
Recipes
Pasta with beans and greens (replace the kale with hon tsai tai)
Use the broth of this vegan udon soup but replace the Chinese cabbage with hon tsai tai
Replace the broccoli for hon tsai tai (leaves, stems and flowers) in this recipe for pasta with broccoli and anchovies (careful: this recipe serves six!)
Make Mapo tofu and serve it with steamed or stir fried hon tsai tai and white rice
Replace the broccoli for hon tsai tai in this quiche recipe with gorgonzola (or any other type of cheese)
Vegetarian stir-fry with soba noodles by Meera Sodha (replace tenderstem broccoli with hon tsai tai)
Add stir-fried hon tsai tai to this refreshing noodle salad with beef, lime mint and coriander
Guide: How to stir-fry vegetables