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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
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.
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.
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.
| Dija Mara | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| The Art Institute of California - San Diego | San Diego CA | 858-598-1200 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 312-415-5455 |
| Paradise Point Resort Tidal | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Triton Boat | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Gai Lan. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
People have spotted Gai Lan 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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Mayflower Restaurant
Near Union City, California, United States About 138 days ago, 9/05/18 Spotter's comments : Gai Lan spotted at Mayflower Restaurant. Asian Food Center Near Shoreline, Washington, United States About 266 days ago, 4/30/18 Spotter's comments : Gai Lan spotted at Asian Food Center. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Thao's Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United States4495 S. Hughes Ave. Fresno 93706 559-261-5205 About 310 days ago, 3/17/18 Spotter's comments : Gai Lan spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. |
