A Precious Wild Vegetable Comparable to ‘Poor Man’s Ginseng’

Thai spinach is a nutritional powerhouse.

Known scientifically as Capsella bursa pastoris, or more commonly as wild cabbage or Capsella flower, this delightful plant is part of the Brassicaceae family.

Qi Tai, more widely recognized for its natural abundance in early spring and late autumn, is an edible wild vegetable boasting soft, green leaves. Its richness in vitamins, including vitamin C and A, coupled with minerals such as iron and calcium, complements its fiber content, which aids digestion and detoxification. Despite its humble wild origins, Qi Tai plays a starring role in various winter dishes, both for its flavor and nutritional value.

The vegetable’s abundance of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium, makes it incredibly valuable for maintaining good health, particularly during the colder months. It’s known to help clear heat and detoxify the body. Moreover, its high fiber content stimulates intestinal movement, acting as a natural laxative.

An enticing way to enjoy this precious plant is through a dish of sliced spinach mixed with almonds, offering a unique taste experience that combines crunchy and tender textures.

To prepare this dish, you’ll need: sliced spinach, almonds, wolfberries, and garlic.

Start by thoroughly cleaning the spinach, removing its roots. This step might take some effort given that it grows wild, blending in with various weeds and foliage. Although this requires extra dedication, the end result is more than worth the effort.

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a tablespoon of oil, and quickly blanch the spinach for 20-30 seconds. The oil helps retain the vibrant green color.

Plunge the blanched spinach into cold water immediately to preserve its fresh flavor. Once cooled, squeeze out excess water, chop the spinach, and place it in a large bowl.

Prepare a dressing by finely chopping garlic, adding roasted white sesame seeds, and pouring hot oil over them until fragrant. Add vinegar, light soy sauce, salt, sugar, chicken essence, and sesame oil, stirring well to form a harmonious blend.

Mix the spinach with almonds and wolfberries, then coat them with the dressing, tossing everything together to ensure even flavor distribution.

Enjoy this nutritionally robust dish that not only delights the palate but also supports your health with its range of vitamins and minerals. A wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire, Qi Tai is indeed a treasure from nature, whose benefits can be enjoyed by all.