Chinese Broccoli - Gai Lan - Brassica Oleracea

Chinese Broccoli is a member of the Brassica Oleracea group which includes Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts. Chinese Broccoli is also known as Gai Lan, Kai Lan or Chinese Kale.

Chinese Broccoli is slightly bitter with a hint of pepper. Unlike Broccoli where only the flower buds are eaten, with Chinese Broccoli, the small emerging flower buds, thick bluish green leaves and the stems are used.

Chinese Broccoli is popular in China, Vietnam and Thailand where it is known as Kana. Among the many ways to prepare Chinese Broccoli are Stir Frying with garlic and ginger, Boiling or Steaming, Stir Frying with Oyster Sauce, Steaming in dumplings or eaten raw as part of a salad. When purchasing Chinese Broccoli, look for leaves that are not drooping and on which the small flower buds have not fully opened. Chinese Broccoli can be kept in a refrigerator for 2 or 3 days if wrapped in plastic.