The Superfood Snow Fungus: Why This Delicacy Costs More Than Meat and How to Source It.

1. What is Snowflake Vegetable?

Snowflake vegetable is a vegetable with a juicy stem, a salty taste, and a crispy texture, originating from the Namid desert in South Africa. The leaves and stem of the vegetable are covered with sparkling droplets that resemble dew, hence the name “snowflake.” It is also known as the “diamond vegetable” due to its rarity and high price.

Snowflake vegetable is packed with nutritional value, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin E. It also contains carotene and pinitol, which help improve liver function, prevent cataracts, and lower blood sugar levels. Additionally, it is a rich source of antioxidants and has cancer-fighting properties.

2. Delicious Dishes with Snowflake Vegetable

Snowflake vegetable can be used to create a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes:

Snowflake Vegetable and Tomato Salad

The salty taste of snowflake vegetable pairs perfectly with the mild sourness of tomatoes, creating a crispy, refreshing, and nutritious dish. When tossed with a sesame dressing, this salad becomes even more delectable.

Colorful Snowflake Vegetable Salad

This salad is a colorful and nutritious treat, combining snowflake vegetable with cherry tomatoes, olives, and more. The crispness of the vegetables and the sweet and sour taste of the vinegar dressing make it a delightful appetizer.

Crispy Fried Snowflake Vegetable

With a crispy outer layer and a juicy stem, fried snowflake vegetable is a unique and tasty snack, especially when dipped in a rich mayonnaise sauce.

Other delicious dishes include snowflake vegetable soup, snowflake vegetable and squid rolls, and snowflake vegetable rice rolls.

3. How to Store Snowflake Vegetable

Store snowflake vegetable in an airtight container or plastic bag in the refrigerator at a temperature of 8-10°C to keep it fresh for 3-5 days.

It is best to buy only what you need for a meal, as storing it for extended periods will affect its freshness.

4. Where to Buy and Price

Fresh Snowflake Vegetable

As snowflake vegetable is not widely cultivated, it is available only in larger markets such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. You can find it in large markets, specialty stores, or online retailers. Due to its rarity and nutritional value, it is priced higher than other vegetables:

– In Hanoi, it costs approximately 150,000 VND/kg
– In Ho Chi Minh City, it costs approximately 160,000 VND/kg

(Prices as of May 2021)

Snowflake Vegetable Seeds

If you can’t find fresh snowflake vegetable in your area, you can purchase the seeds online or from seed stores and grow your own, following the seller’s instructions.

As of May 2021, a pack of 100 snowflake vegetable seeds costs around 80,000 VND.

We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need about snowflake vegetable, including its benefits, uses, and where to buy it.