Wa Wa Ga Choi, Also Known Zha Cai, Or By Its Latin Name, Brassica Juncea, Ssp, Tsatsai, Is A Versatile And Nutritious Szechuan Vegetable That’s Gaining Popularity In UK Gardens.
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I’m told its unique flavour and texture make it a delicious addition to any meal. But I’ve yet to grow it myself as seed is still not widely available.
It’s still rare in the UK and I’ve yet to take photos I can use here! But I found some on Wiki Commons .
It’s a stem vegetable, though the leaves are also edible. It is grown for its weird knobbly kohlrabi-like stem which swells up and makes lots of smallish bumps rather than one big one. It can be sliced up in salads, cooked, stir-fried, pickled or even grated in coleslaw type recipes. It has a quite mild flavour apparently.
Also known as The Thing, this Szechuan veg has featured on several TV shows and video and in a few podcasts. This notoriety is why first brought ti to buy attention nd made me consider an article on it. But I’m writing “blind”, with no first and experience. So everything you read this time is my interpretation of what I was told by others. You’ll need to verify it the best you can!
How to Grow Wa Wa Ga Choi
Wa wa ga choi is a hardy vegetable that can be grown in a variety of climates. Here are some tips for growing it in the UK:
Sowing: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors, or under cover, once they have developed several true leaves.
Spacing: Plant seedlings 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation.
Soil: Wa wa ga choi prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during hotter, dry weather!
Harvesting: Harvest wa wa ga choi when the stems are about 6-8 inches long and the florets are still tight.
Wa Wa Ga Choi Flavour and Uses
Wa wa ga choi has a slightly bitter, earthy flavour with just a mild hint of mustard. It’s a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Here are some popular ways to use wa wa ga choi:
Stir-fries: Wa wa ga choi is a classic stir-fry ingredient, often paired with other vegetables, meat, or tofu.
Soups and stews: Add wa wa ga choi to soups and stews for a boost of flavour and nutrients.
Sautéed: Sauté wa wa ga choi with garlic, ginger, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick and easy side dish.
Pickled: Pickle wa wa ga choi for a tangy and crunchy treat.
Nutritional Benefits
Wa wa ga choi is a nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is allegedly a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium.
Growing Challenges
One of the main challenges of growing wa wa ga choi in the UK is the risk of bolting (going to seed) during hot weather. To prevent bolting, it is important to harvest wa wa ga choi before the plants become too mature.
