What is ya cai or zha cai?

Ya cai (芽菜), is a pickled vegetable originating from the Sichuan province of China. It is made from the upper stems of a variety of mustard green. Ya Cai is more pungent than the similar zha cai.

What does zha cai taste like?

Flavour. The taste is a combination of spicy, sour, and salty, while the aroma is similar to sauerkraut with hot chili paste. Its unique texture—crunchy, yet tender—can only be vaguely compared to Western pickled cucumbers. Zha cai is generally washed prior to use in order to remove the chili paste.

What is Fu Gui Cai?

The name Fu Gui Cai (富贵菜) means Prosperity Vegetables in English.

What is preserved mustard stem?

Zha cai is the pickled stem of mustard plants. It originates in Chongqing, a municipality in the Sichuan area.

What can I substitute for ya cai?

Sui Mi Ya Cai – Sichuan Preserved Mustard Greens This is a signature ingredient used in Dan Dan Noodles. It’s Chinese pickled mustard greens (a type of green vegetable) that comes from the Sichuan region of China. It has the texture and saltiness of kimchi, but it’s not spicy. So that’s the best substitute – kimchi!

Is zha cai good for you?

Tatsai, which has a particularly thick stem, is used to make the Indian pickle called achar, and the Chinese pickle zha cai. One of the few greens that aren’t good for Pitta in any quantity, their qualities make them ideal for Kapha and warm enough for Vata to use more than other greens.

How do you use zha cai?

You usually find Zha Cai in tins. Open the tin, then cut off the piece you need, rinse off the chili paste, de-salt it by soaking it for about half an hour in a cup of water, vinegar or white wine. Then cut it into small strips or cubes and use in all kind of dishes.

Are pickled mustard greens healthy?

Yet, it’s lower in vitamins C and E ( 5 ). Pickled mustard greens, often referred to as takana in Japanese and Chinese cuisines, are similar in calories, carbs, and fiber as raw mustard greens. But they do lose some nutrients during pickling, especially vitamin C ( 6 ).

What can I use instead of preserved mustard greens?

Kale
If you don’t have or don’t like mustard greens, feel free to swap for your favorite leafy green vegetable. Kale, spinach, or chard would work great.

How do you use Tianjin preserved vegetables?

How to use it? Chop finely and use a little bit of it in soups, stir fries and stews. It is rather salty so it’s a good idea to rinse it first. Tianjin preserved vegetable is normally used in small quantities.

Are Chinese preserved vegetables healthy?

Chinese preserved vegetables are simple to make and very healthy for you.

How long does zha cai last?

You can braise, cook, stir-fry or even eat it raw, as a pickle. Zha cai bought in bags usually is already cut into strips for you. Never keep leftovers in the tin, transfer to a small container or plastic bag and keep refrigerated. It will keep for months if not years.