Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
Seasons/Availability
Luhao is available only in late spring into early summer.
Current Facts
Luhao is a fresh-water vegetable that is grown for its edible stalks. It is a member of the Equisetum genus, a family of grasses known for their medicinal qualities.
Description/Taste
Luhao has the initial appearance of horsetail reeds, though it is not hollow. The stalks are thin, pistachio lime green with trademark black horizontal notches. Luhao has a crunchy, snappy quality, though it does lack succulence. Its flavor is nutty and fresh, comparable to asparagus with herbaceous undertones reminiscent of celery.
Nutritional Value
Luhao has a high nutritional density and medicinal value. It has been used in both raw and dried form for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Applications
Luhao is commonly eaten as an appetizer, lightly steamed or sauteed. It is also paired alongside tofu or pork in stir fries. Spring ingredients such as morel mushrooms, green garlic, fennel, leeks and citrus are also quite suitable pairings. Other complimentary ingredients include bacon, garlic, cream, eggs, vinegar, shoyu, butter, herbs such as basil and grains such as brown rice, quinoa and farro.
Geography/History
Luhao grows wild and in cultivated form in southern China in lakes and in high moisture growing climates. Luhao is rather exclusive to southern China, as it is not grown nor is it commonly eaten outside of this region. In fact, those in northern China and outside of the country are often neither familiar with it as food or a plant. Though it is a relatively obscure food plant, it has high food value - not only is it inexpensive to grow and buy, it also serves as a critical source of food for ox and sheep.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Chinese Luhao. One
is easiest, three is harder.| 心食谱 |
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麻油拌芦蒿 |
| 好豆网 |
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芦蒿青椒 |
| meishiChina |
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芦蒿炒香肠 |
| meishiChina |
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芦蒿香干 |
| 心食谱 |
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烧肉虾干炒芦蒿 |
| 好豆网 |
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蒜香芦蒿 |
| meishiChina |
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肉丝炒芦蒿 |
| 好豆网 |
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芦蒿炒臭干 |
| meishiChina |
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肉丝小炒 |
| 心食谱 |
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培根炒芦蒿 |
Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Chinese Luhao using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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International Boutique Supermarket Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 38 days ago Spotter's comments : The International Boutique Supermarket has fresh Luhao. |
