China is home to many varieties of vegetables, some of which have a relatively unique taste or smell that is difficult to accept. Let's take a look at these impressive "unpalatable" vegetables and see if you resonate.
1.Toon: Ancient royal delicacy versus modern controversy
Toon, this ancient vegetable, was once the exclusive delicacy of royalty and aristocrats.
Its taste is incomparably delicious, and every spring, fresh toon seedlings meet eggs, and the scrambled toon eggs have become the taste memory of countless people's childhood.
However, over time, the area under cultivation of toon has decreased, which, combined with its distinctive smell, has made it somewhat controversial in modern society.
Some people have a soft spot for its fresh and eerie aroma, while others shy away from it because they can't accept it.
This divergence reflects people's different feelings and preferences for the taste and smell of food.
2.Artemisia: The transformation from an emperor's dish to a commoner delicacy
Artemisia, a vegetable with a long history, was once known as the "emperor's dish".
It has a unique taste and was once loved by royalty and aristocrats.
However, as it gradually entered thousands of households, people's attitudes towards it became polarized.
Some people think that it is fresh and appetizing, and it is an indispensable delicacy on the table; Others, on the other hand, find it difficult to accept because of its characteristic smell.
This difference is not only a controversy on the taste buds, but also a reflection of cultural and personal differences.
3.Houttuynia cordata: a collision of traditional and modern perceptions in Yunnan
Houttuynia cordata, a wild vegetable that grows near the water, gets its name from its distinctive fishy smell.
In Yunnan and other places, Houttuynia cordata is an important part of traditional cuisine and is loved by local people.
However, for many outsiders, the taste and smell of Houttuynia cordata is a big challenge.
This difference is not only in taste, but also in a collision of cultures and customs.
People's different attitudes towards Houttuynia cordata reflect the diversity and complexity of food in different cultures.
4.Bitter herbs: the shift from survival food to healthy choices
Bitter herbs, a veritable "bitter" vegetable, were once an important food for ancient people during famines.
Although its bitter taste is difficult for many modern people to accept, it is a symbol of survival in a specific historical context.
As scientific research deepened, people began to recognize the rich nutritional value of bitter herbs, and it gradually changed from a forced choice to a part of a healthy diet.
This transformation is not only a change in food values, but also a profound reflection on human attitudes towards nature and life.
5.Okra: The contrast and fusion of appearance and taste
Okra, a vegetable with a unique appearance and rich mucus content, has different evaluations in different cultures.
Its characteristic sticky texture makes some people shy away from it, while others regard it as a delicacy.
This "contrast" of okra is actually the unique beauty that nature has given to food.
Exploring the right way to cook okra allows us to better appreciate and accept this diversity.
Through the five kinds of vegetables, such as toon, chrysanthemum, houttuynia cordata, bitter herbs, and okra, we not only see their uniqueness in taste, but also feel the profound connotation of culture, history and science behind them.
The world of food is full of diversity and controversy, but it is these differences that make our food culture more colorful.
Through exploration and experimentation, we learned tolerance and understanding, and discovered the story and value behind food.
Therefore, let us try and feel those flavors that we have not understood with an open mind, and there may be unexpected gains and surprises.