If you’ve ever walked into a Chinese food market and found yourself wondering, “What is that delicious-looking vegetable?” then this feature is for you. When arriving in China, foreigners are often pleasantly surprised that China is a treasure trove of the loveliest leafy greens. These healthy vegetables are also the easiest items to prepare. Radishes can be eaten raw, and cooking most green vegetables requires only some boiling and a drizzle of olive oil with a pinch of salt. Have fun exploring your local market and discovering new flavors in your kitchen.
Radish 萝卜 (luó bó)
In season: Available year-round, but its peak season is in the spring and winter.
This root vegetable is very low in calories. It contains only 16 calories per 100g. It is also a good source of antioxidants, dietary fiber and vitamins (especially vitamin C). In addition, it contains vitamin B 6, riboflavin, thiamin and minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and calcium.
Cauliflower 花椰菜 (huā yē cài)
In season: Available year-round, but its peak season is fall.
A cruciferous vegetable, cauliflower is high in vitamin C and dietary fiber. It helps give the body a steady stream of energy and cooked cauliflower has only 25 calories per cup.
Needle Mushroom 金针菇 (jjīn zhēn gū)
In season: Winter and spring
The needle mushroom is high in zinc, which promotes a child’s mental development. It can also effectively enhance a body’s metabolism and help with food absorption.
Ginger 姜 (jiāng)
In season: Spring
Ginger is an herb that originated in China. It helps boost the immune system naturally and helps cure ailments, such as migraines, nausea, heartburn and has been known to prevent cancer.
White Radish 白萝卜 (bái luó bó)
In season: Fall
White radish is rich in vitamin C and zinc. It helps enhance the body’s immune system. In addition, it contains a variety of enzymes to fight cancer.
Chrysanthemum Greens 茼蒿 (tóng hāo)
In season: Spring
It’s rich in vitamins and amino acids. The stem of tonghao contains special essential oil and other substances, which can lower blood pressure.
Chinese Chives 韭菜 (jiŭ cài)
In season: Mid-fall
A good source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, Chinese chives are beneficial for eye health and help fight off viral infections. It also helps aid the immune and reproductive systems.
Taro 芋头 (yù tou)
In season: Fall
It is 70 percent starch and works as a tonic. It is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium. It can assist in the treatments of insect bites and bee stings.
Celtuce 莴笋 (wō sŭn)
In season: Spring
It can increase a person’s appetite and its dietary fiber content can help with digestion. It is aptly named celtuce, as it is a cross between celery and lettuce.
Bok Choy 油菜 (yóu cài)
In season: Year-round
Bok choy contains minerals to promote bone growth and accelerate the body’s metabolism. It contains beta-carotene and vitamin B.
Choy Sum 菜心 (cài xīn)
In season: Summer
It is high in protein and low in fat. Per kilogram, it only has 1 to 3 grams of fat.
Juhua Cai 菊花菜 (jú huā cài)
In season: May
It’s rich in protein and vitamin C. In general, it is good for detoxifying, lowering blood pressure, and headache relief.
Chinese Broccoli 芥兰 (jiè lán)
In season: September
It is a good source of vitamin E, vitamin B6, iron, zinc and copper. As a good source of dietary fiber, it can prevent constipation. It is low in sodium, as well as cholesterol.
Garland Chrysanthemum 蒿子秆 (hāo zi găn)
In season: Spring
It’s rich in vitamin A and minerals, but relatively high in sodium. It aids in digestion, helping the body speed up its metabolism.
Key Vocabulary
For this one, I’d like 200 grams.
这个，我要两百克。
Zhègè, wǒ yào liǎng bǎi kè.
I’d like RMB 20 worth.
我要20块钱的。
Wǒ yào èrshí kuài qián de.
I want that one.
我要那个。
Wǒ yào nàgè.
How much is this (cost)?
这个多少钱?
Zhègè duō shǎo qián?
I want one kilo.
我要两斤。
Wǒ yào liǎng jīn.
Thank you.
谢谢。
Xiè xiè.
