Home Food & Receipts Wild Jackfruit Leaves: A Delicacy from Hoa Binh, Priced at 60,000 VND...

Food & Receipts

Wild Jackfruit Leaves: A Delicacy from Hoa Binh, Priced at 60,000 VND per Kilogram

15 September, 2024

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In the lush land of Hoa Binh, where villages nestle amidst majestic mountains, a unique vegetable has emerged as a distinctive delicacy: wild jackfruit tree leaves. Known as “rau mit rung” in Vietnamese, this vegetable offers not just a bountiful source of food but also embodies a connection to nature and the essence of regional cuisine. Join us as we delve into the wonders of this fascinating ingredient.

1 What is Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable?

Wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable, also known as “cay re,” “mit mi,” and belonging to the Moraceae family, is a unique natural food in the culinary culture of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province. Initially, wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable grew wild in sparse forests, and only water buffaloes fed on it.

However, locals eventually sampled it and discovered its delightful flavor, leading to its incorporation into their daily meals. Moreover, some began cultivating this plant on hills and in home gardens to ensure a steady supply. Wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable is now commercially available, fetching prices ranging from 60,000 VND/kg ($2.58 USD/kg).

What are Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable?

2 Benefits of Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable

When consuming wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable, people typically harvest the young shoots, which are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds bestow numerous benefits upon those who partake, encompassing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, positive impacts on the body’s oxidation process, and support for cardiovascular and liver health.

Benefits of Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable

3 Delicious Dishes with Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable

Wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable shines when combined with various ingredients to create flavorful dishes. Depending on individual preferences, one can adjust the bitterness by adding more rau dom and la lot leaves or enhancing the sweetness with extra wild jackfruit tree leaves. For a more luxurious dish, consider stir-frying wild jackfruit tree leaves with mushrooms exclusively.

Generally, stir-frying wild jackfruit tree leaves with meats like veal, goat, or duck yields delectable results. This vegetable has even caught the attention of upscale restaurants! It’s not just locals who adore this ingredient; foreign tourists, including those from South Korea and Western countries, have also fallen in love with dishes featuring wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable.

Delicious Dishes with Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable

4 Easy Way to Grow Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable

Historically, locals would venture into forests or hills to gather wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable for cultivation. However, due to overharvesting, this plant has become less prevalent in its natural habitat. To address this issue, locals devised a method to propagate the vegetable through cutting techniques.

The cutting technique is similar to those used for cultivating flowers and ornamental plants. Nevertheless, the survival rate of this plant is relatively low due to the presence of latex, especially during the cold season.

Once the plant establishes itself, it tends to thrive with minimal care. For optimal growth, consider the following guidelines:

Soil: Opt for well-drained, nutrient-rich, and airy soil.
Light: Wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable thrives in ample sunlight, so ensure it receives sufficient light.
Fertilizer: To boost growth, use chicken, buffalo, or cow manure as fertilizer. Maintain regular watering while avoiding waterlogging. Notably, wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable typically exhibits strong disease resistance, negating the need for pesticides or other treatments.

Easy Way to Grow Wild Jackfruit Tree Leaves Vegetable

From its distinctive flavor to its economic and cultural significance, wild jackfruit tree leaves vegetable has captivated both gastronomes and culinary researchers alike. We hope that through this article, you’ve discovered a valuable new vegetable and are inspired to incorporate it into your future culinary creations.

Frequently asked questions

Wild jackfruit leaves are a rare delicacy native to the Hoa Binh province in Vietnam. These leaves are carefully hand-picked and processed to create a unique and flavorful dish. The process of preparing the leaves is labor-intensive and time-consuming, involving multiple steps such as boiling, drying, and frying. The final product is a crispy, fragrant leaf that can be enjoyed as a snack or used as an ingredient in other dishes. The high price of 60,000 VND (approximately $2.60) per kilogram reflects the rarity of the ingredient, the intricate preparation process, and the delicate, distinct flavor it imparts.

The preparation process for wild jackfruit leaves is quite intricate. First, the leaves are carefully selected and cleaned, ensuring only the freshest and most tender leaves are used. Then, they are boiled in water with a bit of salt to enhance their natural flavor. After boiling, the leaves are dried in the sun or in an oven until they become crispy. Finally, they are fried in hot oil to give them a delicious, crunchy texture. Wild jackfruit leaves can be enjoyed as a snack on their own, or they can be used to garnish soups, salads, and stir-fries, adding a unique flavor and texture to these dishes.

Wild jackfruit leaves are known to possess various health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and protect the body against diseases. The leaves also contain high levels of fiber, which can aid in digestion and support a healthy gut. Additionally, they are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Consuming wild jackfruit leaves is believed to help lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, and promote overall well-being.

While wild jackfruit leaves are generally considered safe for consumption, some individuals may experience mild side effects. Excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues due to the high fiber content. Additionally, as with any new food, there is a risk of allergic reactions, so it is always advisable to consume a small amount first and observe for any signs of allergy. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before including wild jackfruit leaves in their diet.

Wild jackfruit leaves can be purchased fresh or dried from local markets or specialty stores in Vietnam. When buying fresh leaves, look for those that are vibrant green and free from any signs of wilting or damage. Dried leaves should be crisp and have a fragrant aroma. To store fresh leaves, wrap them in a damp paper towel and keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last for a few days. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and will retain their flavor and texture for several months.