Vegetable | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Calorie Keto

Choy Sum

Brassica rapa subsp. parachinensis Allergen-Free
Choy Sum

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Brassicaceae
  • Primary Cuisine East Asian
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Plant

The Forktionary Angle

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Definition

A leafy green vegetable originating from China, related to bok choy, prized for its tender stems and mild, slightly bitter leaves.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Slightly Bitter, Earthy, Sweet
TextureCrisp, Tender, Succulent
AromaFresh, Green, Slightly Cabbage-like
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 cup (85g)
Calories13 kcal
Total Fat0.2 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein1.5 g
Total Carbohydrate2.3 g
Dietary Fiber1.3 g
Total Sugars0.8 g
Calcium108 mg
Iron0.8 mg
Potassium252 mg

Chef’s Secret

To retain its vibrant color and crispness, blanch choy sum quickly in boiling water, then immediately plunge into an ice bath before stir-frying.

Substitutions

Best Match

Bok Choy

1:1

Excellent for stir-fries and steaming, similar mild flavor and texture.

Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli)

1:1

Good for stir-fries, has a slightly stronger, more bitter flavor but similar stem crunch.

Spinach

1:1 (cooked)

Offers similar leafy green bulk for soups/stir-fries, but lacks the distinctive stem crunch.

Napa Cabbage

1:1

Softer texture but mild flavor, suitable for soups and braises.

Buying Guide

Look for firm, vibrant green leaves and crisp stems without any yellowing or wilting.

Flavor Pairings

Garlic ginger oyster sauce soy sauce sesame oil chicken pork fish.