Health & Life

Heaven’s Bounty: Nature’s Freshest Gift.

No one knows when this type of vegetable first appeared. It's just that no one plants it, and no one takes care of it, yet it grows fresh and abundantly.

Administrator

12 March, 2024

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These plants typically grow wild in clumps, with deep roots, feeding on dew and breathing air. This vegetable is also a specialty in Cat Ba and is often poetically referred to as “nature’s bounty” by locals.

While Stinging Tree used to be considered a wild vegetable used only in times of food scarcity, it is now regarded as a delicacy. Each kilogram of Stinging Tree can bring in 15,000–25,000 VND for the locals, but those wanting to buy it must place an order in advance.

Stinging Tree does not require elaborate preparation. Simply boil it, add some seasoning, and sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts to create a refreshing and affordable dish loved by all ages. Stinging Tree can also be served with rice noodles or as a side dish during gatherings.

As Stinging Tree grows entirely in a natural environment without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, it has a very distinct flavor.

You can refer to the following recipe to make a Stinging Tree salad for your family to enjoy.

Price of Stinging Tree

Previously, Stinging Tree was quite inexpensive, costing only 5,000–8,000 VND per kilogram. However, the price has now increased to around 25,000–30,000 VND per kilogram.

You can find it at a cheaper price in Cat Ba, but in Hanoi and Vinh, it may be available in online markets or imported by some sellers at a significantly higher price, ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 VND per kilogram.

Ingredients

– Stinging Tree: 1–2 bunches (depending on the number of family members)

– Crushed roasted peanuts: 1/2 bowl

– Sugar

– Lime leaves

– Fresh chili peppers: 2–3 (adjust according to your preference for spiciness)

– Bean sprouts: 100g

– Carrot: 1

– Fresh limes: 2

– MSG

How to Make Stinging Tree Salad

Preparing the Ingredients

– Wash the Stinging Tree thoroughly and let it drain.

– Peel and shred the carrot.

– Wash and finely chop the lime leaves.

– Rinse the bean sprouts and blanch them quickly in hot water. Be careful not to overcook the sprouts, as they will become soft and lose their crunch.

Boiling the Stinging Tree

– After washing the Stinging Tree, boil it and then immediately soak it in cold water. This helps retain the green color and crispness of the vegetable. Once the Stinging Tree has cooled down, squeeze out the excess water with your hands.

Making the Salad

– Place the squeezed Stinging Tree in a mixing bowl. Add the blanched bean sprouts, chopped lime leaves, shredded carrot, lime juice, sugar, and MSG, and mix well.

– Using your hands to mix the salad will help the flavors absorb better. It’s important to taste the Stinging Tree before adding salt, as it already has a slightly salty taste. Over-seasoning can make the dish too salty.

Final Touches

– Let the salad sit for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve it on a plate and sprinkle with roasted peanuts. The salad has a delightful crunch and a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist. The Stinging Tree is perfectly cooked, retaining a beautiful green color. The roasted peanuts add a nutty aroma and richness, complementing the distinctive flavor of lime leaves, the crispness of carrots and bean sprouts, and creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

A well-made Stinging Tree salad should have a vibrant green color. The vegetables should remain crisp and refreshing, with a balanced mix of sour, salty, and sweet flavors. The roasted peanuts add a creamy texture that brings the dish together, making it truly exceptional.

Frequently asked questions

Stinging Tree is a vegetable that grows wild in clumps with deep roots, feeding on dew. It gets its name from the slight stinging sensation it can leave on the tongue due to its natural environment and lack of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Stinging Tree is a specialty in Cat Ba, Vietnam, where it is poetically referred to as ‘nature’s bounty’ by the locals. While it used to be considered a wild vegetable for times of food scarcity, it is now regarded as a delicacy, bringing in a good income for local sellers.

Stinging Tree has gone from being a vegetable of last resort during food shortages to a sought-after delicacy. Its price has increased significantly, with a kilogram now costing around 25,000-30,000 VND, compared to 5,000-8,000 VND in the past. This change in perception has likely led to its increased value.

Stinging Tree requires minimal preparation. It can be simply boiled, seasoned, and served with crushed roasted peanuts for a refreshing and affordable dish. It can also be served with rice noodles or as a side dish during gatherings.

To make a Stinging Tree salad, you’ll need 1-2 bunches of Stinging Tree, 1/2 bowl of crushed roasted peanuts, sugar, lime leaves, chili peppers, bean sprouts, a carrot, fresh limes, and MSG. First, prepare the ingredients by washing and draining the Stinging Tree, shredding the carrot, chopping the lime leaves, and blanching the bean sprouts. Then, boil the Stinging Tree and soak it in cold water to retain its color and crispness. Finally, mix all the ingredients, taste and adjust seasoning, and let the salad sit for 20 minutes before serving.

Stinging Tree has a distinct flavor due to its natural growing environment. The salad made from it has a delightful crunch and a refreshing taste. The vegetable retains its beautiful green color and crisp texture. The roasted peanuts add a nutty aroma and richness, complementing the flavors of lime leaves and carrots, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

You can buy Stinging Tree in Cat Ba at a cheaper price, typically around 25,000-30,000 VND per kilogram. In Hanoi and Vinh, it may be available in online markets or through importers at a higher price, ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 VND per kilogram.