Produce Briefs...
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are most often utilized raw. The whole onion can be flash blanched and grilled, which brings out more the robust and sweet elements of the onions, and makes them a bolder pair for fish and meats
Seasons/Availability
Gai lan is available year round.
Current Facts
Gai lan, AKA kai lan, is a member of Brassica oleracea, the same family as kale, collard greens and cruciferous vegtables including broccoli and cauliflower. There are dozens of varieties of gai lan which may be found at markets and in seed catalogs under the name Chinese Kale. Gai lan is harvested for its young stalks and white flower buds using the cut and come again method.
Description/Taste
Although Gai Lan varies slightly from one variety to the other, each plant produce thick green stems and branches with glossy variegated blue green to deep green leaves. When the plant matures they produce underdeveloped flower buds. The younger plants have crisper tender stalks and leaves. Gai lan has a flavor similar to broccoli, both bitter and sweet. Its flavor mellows with cooking.
Applications
As gai lan is associated primarily with Chinese cuisine, it is often referred to being used as a stir-fry vegetable. It can be featured within a multitude of cuisines however, substituting for kale, broccoli and collard greens alike. Gai lan pairs well with rich fatty meats such as pork and works well in cooked cheese dishes in addition to the traditional spicy dishes it is featured in within Chinese cuisine.
Geography/History
With origins traced to Southern Europe, Gai lan was introduced to China centuries ago via the Portuguese. It is a hardy and vigorous cool season crop but can adapt to many climates, which make it suitable for year-round growing.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-1582 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Peohes | Coronado CA | 619-437-4474 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Casino Pauma | PAUMA VALLEY CA | 760-891-7961 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Roppongi | San Diego CA | 858-551-5252 |
| Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront & Spa | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Tapenade | San Diego CA | 858-551-7500 |
| San Diego Culinary Institute Inc. | La Mesa CA | 619-644-2100 |
| Blue Point / Coastal Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-233-6623 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Gai Lan. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Tigers and Strawberries |
|
Chicken with Gai Lan |
| Steamy Kitchen |
|
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) with Oyster Sauce |
| 葡萄酒新手選 |
|
吻仔魚 芥藍菜 番茄與螺旋麵 |
