Can you actually eat the leaves of Houttuynia cordata?

Houttuynia cordata gets its name because the plant has a strong fishy smell; it is also called jicai, goutieer, zhe'ergen and so on. When winter gives way to spring and it first puts out tender shoots, the flavor is at its best. It is called a "plant antibiotic" and can clear heat, reduce inflammation and fight viruses. The Houttuynia cordata we usually eat is the root, so can the leaves of Houttuynia cordata be eaten?

Can Houttuynia cordata leaves be eaten?

Houttuynia cordata leaves can be eaten. Not only can they be eaten, they are also especially nutritious; it is just that the leaves are rather old and tough, and the taste really is not very good.

How do you eat Houttuynia cordata?

Cold-dressed Houttuynia cordata

Ingredients: 500 g Houttuynia cordata, 10 g salt, 50 g dried chili peppers, 20 g white sugar, 10 g chicken essence, 40 g vinegar, 20 g soy sauce, 5 g sesame oil

Method:

1. Pinch off the old roots and fibrous roots of the Houttuynia cordata, keep the tender white roots and leaf blades, wash them several times in clean water, wash away the mud and sand, soak in cold water for 10 minutes, then scoop out and drain off the water for later use;

2. Cut the dried chili peppers into sections, fry them in warm oil until crisp and fragrant, then pour them into a bowl together with the oil for later use;

3. Put the Houttuynia cordata into a basin, add salt, soy sauce, white sugar, vinegar, chicken essence, red oil and the fried chili oil, mix well and it is ready to eat.

Stir-fried shredded pork with Houttuynia cordata

Ingredients: 100 g Houttuynia cordata, 50 g lean pork, appropriate amounts of cooking oil, chopped scallions, salt and cooking wine

Method:

1. Wash the Houttuynia cordata, cut it into small sections, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes; wash the pork and cut it into shreds;

2. Put a pan on the heat, add cooking oil, stir-fry the chopped scallions and lean pork until fragrant, then add the Houttuynia cordata and stir-fry, splash in the cooking wine, add salt to season and it is ready.