Malantou

Kalimeris indica

leaf

Young spring shoots, blanched and chopped with dried tofu, as a cold salad with sesame oil in Shanghai.

Origin

Southeastern China (Shanghai, Jiangsu)

Season (United States)

March to May

Preparation

Only the tender shoots are kept, without the tough stems; they are blanched for a minute, then the water is squeezed out before chopping.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Vegetable nitrates · Chlorophyll

Did you know?

In Nanjing, it is one of the “seven heads and one brain”, the wild vegetables of spring.