Tong Hao is very popular in our daily life, and the most common way to eat it is in hot pot. What are the benefits of eating Tong Hao and can it still be eaten when it flowers?
Health Benefits of Tong Hao
1. Beautifies the skin
To have beautiful skin, it is recommended to eat more Tong Hao as it can improve the roughness of the skin.
2. Nourishes the heart
Tong Hao contains four medicinal components that strengthen the heart. Its fragrance is a unique medicinal component of Tong Hao.
3. Promotes digestion and stomach health
Tong Hao contains special volatile oils with a distinct aroma that helps in regulating digestion, stimulating appetite, and promoting bowel movement for a healthy intestine.
4. Lowers cholesterol
Tong Hao contains fresh and deep green pigments, such as chlorophyll, which has the effect of reducing cholesterol.
5. Lowers blood pressure and promotes urination
Tong Hao is also rich in potassium, which helps in removing excess salt from the body. It is considered the best vegetable for people with hypertension.
Can Tong Hao be eaten when it flowers?
Yes, it can be eaten. However, the texture may be slightly worse compared to before it flowers, as the stems and leaves may become tougher.
When Tong Hao flowers, it means that most of the nutrients that belong to the stems and leaves have been transferred to the flower buds, resulting in the stems and leaves of Tong Hao becoming harder. Therefore, when Tong Hao flowers, it indicates that it is a bit older.
However, Tong Hao can still be eaten even when it is older. It just means that the fiber will become coarser and the texture will not be as tender as when it is young. If you find that the Tong Hao is very tough and difficult to pull apart when selecting it, it is advisable not to consume it.
Nutritional Recipe for Tong Hao
Ingredients: 500g Tong Hao, 40g rice flour, salt, lard, chicken stock
Steps:
1. Wash and drain the Tong Hao leaves, cut them into small pieces (remove the root part), mix them with rice flour and salt, and set aside;
2. Take a steamer, bring water to a boil, and place the Tong Hao pieces on top;
3. Cook over high heat for 7 minutes, then turn off the heat when it is about 80% cooked, and remove from the steamer;
4. Heat a pan, add lard over medium heat, and stir-fry the Tong Hao pieces;
5. After stirring evenly, add some chicken stock and bring it to a boil. The simple, quick, and delicious steamed Tong Hao is ready to be served.
