What is this thing?
Last week my wife proudly bought this home from the shop as a challenge for me. I have no idea what it is called or anything about it so I am turning the challenge over to you.
As you can see from the picture it is green and leafy and big. The leaves are similar to silver beet or spinach in texture and flavour but are quite small. The plant grows into a sort of bowl shape which conveniently fits over an adults head (which I can assure you it has done a lot in our household). Apart from that I know nothing.
I want to find out what it is called, where it is from, how best to use it and anything else we should know. If anyone can help, I would love to hear from you.
Thanks
Tom
It looks like tatsoi. Small bunches of the stuff look similar to bok choi, but it you let it grow bigger, this is apparently what you get. I’ve only used it a couple of times, and I just treated it like bok choi, steamed or sauted.
I’ll hazard a guess and say it’s “ta-ku” vegt. We have it here quite often in Asian grocery stores. I believe it originated in Taiwan. Costs abt USD1 per lb. Like you said, mild tasting. Goes well boiled, and served with oyster sauce and a dribble of toasted sesame oil.
Hi tom – As the previous commenter said…I’m pretty sure that’s Tatsoi.
Thanks
Tatsoi, or ta-ku. Sounds like different languages to me. Maybe the same vegetable from different countries?
Thanks
Tom
I haven’t a clue what it is, but it sure looks yummy!
Tom,
I think you are right. I would assume ta-ku is Japanese, and Tatsoi is some form of Chinese, possibly Taiwanese. The Mandarin for it is ta ke cai, or 塌棵菜