Eating in China
AI-generated editorial illustration of Chinese broccoli (gai lan).

Chinese broccoli (gai lan)

芥兰Jièlán

A leafy green vegetable with substantial stems, dark leaves and sometimes small flower buds. Both the leaves and stems are eaten.

Type
Vegetables

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Look for firm stalks topped by dark, slightly blue-green leaves and small buds when present. It is different from the large floret heads of ordinary broccoli.

In the kitchen

Blanched and dressed with oyster sauce, or stir-fried with aromatics.

Baby gai lan has more tender leaves and stems; mature stalks may need their tough lower ends trimmed or peeled.

Ask about this ingredient

这道菜里有芥兰吗?

Does this dish contain Chinese broccoli (gai lan)?

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