Hongshan Purple Stem with Cured Pork

洪山菜薹炒腊肉 · hóng shān cài tái chǎo là ròu

A purple-stemmed winter brassica grown only around Hongshan in Wuchang, stir-fried with smoky cured pork. Sweet, crunchy and once a tribute vegetable to emperors.

Order it

The story

Locals insist real 洪山菜薹 only grows within earshot of the Baotong Temple bell. It is a protected geographic product and appears from November to February.

How to eat it

Winter only. Eat the stems, leave the tough leaves.

Where

Hubei restaurants Nov–Feb; ask 有菜薹吗？

Allergens: pork