Chen Xiulan (not her real name) is chatting with her friend, Wang, a well-known local Chinese medicine practitioner. Chen Xiulan (pseudonym) held the purser freshly picked from the field and couldn't help asking: "This spring's wild vegetables are good in their own way, but I heard that there is a kind of wild vegetable comparable to 'cordyceps sinensis', do you know what it is?"
Lao Wang smiled and said a little mysteriously: "Sister Xiulan, do you know the kind of tree around our village? Every April, a kind of spike grows at the top of the tree, which the villagers often call 'thick strips', but in fact that is the 'secret weapon' I want to talk about."
Last year, I also made a steamed vegetable for a relative in the city who suffers from chronic gastritis, but I didn't expect that one spring, his stomach problem was greatly improved. Chen Xiulan (pseudonym) widened her eyes and was surprised: "Construct a tree spike? That thing looks weird, and no one usually pays much attention to it, can it have such a magical effect?"
01. The nutritional value of "tree spikes".
Vitamins: The spike contains a variety of vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and other B vitamins, which are key nutrients for maintaining normal physiological function, improving immunity, promoting healthy vision, and skin repair.
Trace elements: It contains calcium, iron, zinc, selenium and other trace elements, which play an important role in bone development, blood production, antioxidant and immune function.
Protein: The panicle is high in plant-based protein, which is a good option for vegetarians and those looking for a high-quality source of protein, which is the building block for building human tissues and maintaining normal physiological activities.
Dietary fiber: As a dietary fiber-rich ingredient, the spike helps to improve digestive system function, promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, and help control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Medicinal value: According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the spike also has certain medicinal effects, such as clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving cough and phlegm, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, etc., which can be used as an adjunct treatment for certain diseases.
02. These groups of people are not suitable for eating tree spikes
Pregnant women: Due to the pharmacological effects and potential unknown risks of the panicle, pregnant women should not consume it to prevent adverse effects on the fetus.
Infants and young children: Infants and young children have a delicate digestive system and may be at higher risk of allergies to certain foods, so it is not recommended for infants and young children to eat the spike.
Children: Younger children should also be consumed with caution if there is not enough food safety data to support it to avoid triggering allergic reactions or other discomfort.
People with allergies: If you have a history of allergy to Argophyllum or other related plants, you should avoid eating Argophyllum panicles to avoid allergic reactions, such as rashes, dyspnea and even severe symptoms such as anaphylactic shock.
03. Precautions for eating tree spikes
Picking time and freshness: The spikes are generally the most tender and edible in April in the spring, and the taste and nutritional value will be greatly reduced after the season, so the fresh spikes should be picked at the right time.
Cleaning and pre-treatment: Harvested panicles need to be carefully washed, and it is usually recommended to soak them in light salt water for at least 30 minutes to remove dust, impurities and small insects that may be attached to the surface. After soaking, wash it several times to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
De-impurity and treatment: During the cleaning process, the leaves and stems in the panicle should be removed, and only the spike-like inflorescence part should be retained. If there is a hard stem or inedible part of the panicle, it should also be removed.
Blanching: In order to reduce the possible bitterness and remove potential indigestible substances, the spike is usually blanched before cooking, and a small amount of salt and cooking oil can be added to the water to maintain the color and taste.
Moderate consumption: Although the spike has a certain nutritional value, it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort when eaten in large quantities at one time, especially for people with sensitive digestive systems.
Storage: The best way to store the spike is to wash it and refrigerate it, or blanch it and dry it and seal it. Even if it is stored refrigerated, it should not be left for too long to avoid spoilage.
With its unpretentious appearance, the tree spike conveys the nourishing power from the depths of the earth, reminding us not to forget to return to nature while pursuing modern life, and to respect and cherish these simple and precious natural resources.
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