GAI LAN
Gai Lan (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra), also called Chinese Broccoli, is a cruciferous leafy vegetable that you can substitute in place of Broccolini or Broccoli Rabe. Gai Lan’s flavor profile is earthy and slightly bitter, with a subtle sweetness — think a more robust Broccoli! This cool-weather brassica stands up to warmer temperatures better than it’s Brassica brethren, making it a perfect option for summer cooking!
In season: June to November
Nutritional value: Just one cup of Gai Lan offers up 158% your DV of vitamin C! Gai Lan is also a great source of vitamin K, B2, B9, alpha-linolenic acid, manganese, and polyphenols. It is also loaded with carotenoids, which have strong antioxidant properties.
Storage tips: For short-term storage, keep your Gai Lan unwashed in an unsealed bag in your refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to 7 days. If you want to maximize freshness, wrap the bunches in a damp paper towel to maintain humidity, then place in an unsealed bag. You can also freeze Gai Lan for use in stews and stocks by washing, blanching, and freezing!
Culinary uses: Every part of Gai Lan is edible — from the leaves, to the stems! Steam, grill, sauté, eat raw, ferment, add them into a soup or toss them into a stir fry! Think of it like any other leafy green, it goes great in curries, risottos, pasta dishes, casseroles, savory pancakes, omelets, dumplings, even smoothies! Consider classic flavor pairings like Ginger, Lemongrass, Garlic, or Sesame and Soy Sauce.
