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The Amazing Health Benefits of Kiệu: 6 Reasons to Include This Vegetable in Your Diet. How to Distinguish Kiệu from Onion.

Pickled scallions are a staple of the Lunar New Year celebrations in Vietnam. But did you know about the health benefits of these tangy treats? Scallions, or 'cu kieu' as they are known in Vietnamese, have long been prized for their medicinal properties. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cu kieu and how to distinguish it from its close relative, the onion. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets of this humble yet powerful vegetable!

Administrator

11 August, 2024

Pickled Chinese chives have a spicy and slightly pungent taste. When pickled, they also have a slightly sour and sweet taste. Chinese chives are often eaten as a side dish to reduce greasiness, and they can also be used in many other dishes. But first, let’s learn more about this unique vegetable.

1 What are Chinese Chives?

Chinese chives (*Allium chinense* G.Don) belong to the onion family. The head of the chive has a large, slightly bulging, white color. It resembles an onion but is much smaller.

Chinese chives are grown year-round, but they are mainly cultivated from September to January for harvest during the Tet holiday season. The chives grow to a length of 15-35 cm, with the bulb planted about 3-5 cm underground.

Chinese chives are typically grown in tropical or subtropical regions of China and Japan. In Vietnam, they are cultivated in the central provinces and more recently in the Mekong Delta region.

2 Health Benefits of Chinese Chives

According to Dr. Truong Thi Ngoc Lan, Vice Director and Head of Training and Research at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Ho Chi Minh City, pickling Chinese chives can help promote beneficial bacteria in the digestive system, such as acidophilus, lactobacillus, and plantarum. These bacteria stimulate and improve digestive function.

Additionally, beneficial bacteria produce the enzyme lactase, which converts lactose into lactic acid, creating a sour taste and breaking down food for better absorption.

Pickled Chinese chives are made from fresh ingredients, preserving a good amount of fiber, which effectively prevents constipation. The pickling process also retains essential nutrients, making this dish a must-have during Tet when we tend to indulge in rich foods that can cause indigestion.

Chinese chives are also rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and slow down the aging process.

The lactic acid produced during the pickling process helps reduce cholesterol levels and improves blood circulation.

3 How to Distinguish Chinese Chives from Onions

Onions and Chinese chives are related, but there are noticeable differences in their size and shape:

Onion Bulb: The bulb is white, larger, and rounder than Chinese chives.

Chinese Chives: The bulb is smaller, slender, and longer. It has a lighter purple color compared to onions.

We hope this information has helped you learn more about Chinese chives and their benefits. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any thoughts or feedback!

Frequently asked questions

Kieu, a type of vegetable similar to onion, has amazing health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that boost the immune system, improve digestion, and promote heart health. Kieu also has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Kieu is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. It helps to prevent constipation and other digestive issues.

Yes, kieu is heart-healthy. It contains compounds that help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants in kieu also protect the heart by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Kieu has been shown to have anticancer properties due to its high content of antioxidants and sulfur compounds. These compounds can help prevent the formation and growth of cancer cells, particularly in the colon and stomach.

Kieu can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be added to salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, soups, and various other dishes. Kieu has a mild flavor, similar to green onions, so it can be used to enhance the taste and nutritional value of many meals.

Kieu looks similar to small onions, but there are some key differences. Kieu has a thinner, lighter-colored skin and a milder taste compared to onions. It also has a flatter shape, and the layers are not as tightly packed as in onions.