Gai Lon
By: Melissa Peterman

About

Also known as Chinese broccoli, Gai Lon is a highly nutritious, green, leafy plant with smooth, round stems and leaves with no florets. In summer Gai Lon has a bitter flavor, in winter a sweet flavor. The white flowers and smaller leaves are also eaten. Gai Lon is rich in vitamins A, C, and K - Gai Lon is only 19 calories per serving. It is also a good source of beta-carotene and contains iron, calcium, and folate.

Information
Other names: Chinese Kale, Gai Larn, Kai Lan, Mustard Orchid, Kai Laarn, Chinese Broccoli, Gai Lan
Translations: ガイロン, جاي خط الطول, Гаи Лон, 상가 론, גיא לון, Гай Лон, Гай Лон, 盖朗, Lon Gai


Physical Description
Gai Lon is a leafy vegetable with a long, thick stalk.
Colors: light green (stalk), deep green (leaves) with white or yellow flowers


Tasting Notes
Flavors: slightly bitter, sweet
Mouthfeel: Crisp / crunchy when raw, Tender when cooked
Food complements: Garlic, Ginger, Oyster sauce, Mirin, Soy sauce, Meat, Seafood, Shiitake mushrooms, Tofu, Chicken stock, Sesame oil
Substitutes: Bok choy, Broccolini, Broccoli


Selecting and Buying
Choosing: Look for stems that are fresh and deep olive green. Choose bunches with flowers that are mostly in the bud stage, rather than blooming.
Buying: Gai lon is available in the produce section at many Asian grocery stores.


Preparation and Use
Gai Lon is commonly cooked in stir fry, steamed or boiled.


Conserving and Storing
Refrigerate in a plastic bag for only a few days.