Konjac is the widely used root, or a tuber, produced by the konjac plant, a crop native to China that is also very popular in Japan, where it has been cultivated since the 6th century. The root has an oval shape and is especially praised for its numerous beneficial properties.
It is rich in glucomannan sugar, a fiber widely used in powdered form that is incorporated in many traditional and modern remedies. In gastronomy, it is often used as flour that easily swells in liquid, so it is mainly employed as a thickening agent in dishes to give them a denser, jelly-like consistency.
Native to China, yamaimo or Chinese yam is a climbing plant that bears edible tuberous roots with hard white flesh that is encased in a thin, light brown or yellowish outer skin. The tuberous roots are similar in flavor to potatoes or water chestnuts and are widely used as traditional medicine and an ingredient in Asian cuisine.
Raw or cooked, Chinese yam is typically consumed on its own, added to soups, stews, and many other dishes for extra flavor and texture. This plant is cultivated throughout East Asia, including Japan, Korea, Kuril Islands, and Vietnam, and may vary in shape and color.
Choy sum is a leafy vegetable with widespread use in both Asian and Western cuisines. It belongs to the pak choy cabbage family and is characterized by tender, white or green stalks, with oval-shaped green leaves and tiny yellow flower buds on top.
The stalks have a delicious, mustard-like flavor and a crunchy texture. Both the stalks and the tiny flowers of the plant are edible, typically used fresh in salads, or either blanched or stir-fried and paired with meat dishes or prawns.
Chinese onion or Allium chinense is an evergreen vegetable characterized by its white, crisp bulbs, long green stalks, and tiny, purple flowers. It is cultivated in Asia and its leaves and bulbs can be consumed either raw or cooked, adding a depth of flavor to a variety of dishes.
The flowers, which bloom in autumn, are sometimes used as a garnish. The strong, pungent odor of Chinese onion is thought to act as a repellent for moles and other garden vermins. This vegetable can also be pickled and served as a side dish or as an appetizer in Asian cuisine.
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