Oriental Squash ( Oriental Pumpkin, summer Squash)

Qua bi do

Many summer squashes and winter squashes are very popular in the Orient, which are different to Western versions. Oriental Winter Squash is often called Little Pumpkin in the Orient. It is also called Japanese Squash or Chinese Squash in the supermarkets in the United States. Oriental winter squash is much smaller than the Western pumpkins. There are many types of Oriental squashes, that are different in the shape and color of the fruits. Oriental squash has shorter vines than the Western pumpkin and can be grown along the fence or on the ground. Plants grow vigorously in warm climates. The matured fruits of the winter squash should be cured under the sun for a few days when harvesting. Oriental winter squashes can be stored up to 6 months for later uses.

Oriental spinach

Rau Chan Vit

Oriental spinach is slightly different from the spinach commonly grown in the United States and Europe. The plant has smooth, dark green leaves with long stalks. Japanese spinach is a fast-growing and very hardy vegetable. This vegetable grows very well in mild climates. A good vegetable for home gardens.

Bitter Gourd

Qua muop dang

Bitter Gourd is one of the most popular vegetables in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, India and the Philippines. Bitter Gourd, also called Bitter Melon, has an acquired taste. The plant is grown mainly for the immature fruits although the young leaves and tips are edible. Bitter Melon seed has hard skin and needs warm/moist soil conditions during germination. It may fail or take a long time to germiante if the soil temperature is too low. Bitter Melon is a long-season, high-humidity and warm-climate vine plant and needs to grow along supports.

Oriental eggplants

Qua ca tim

Oriental eggplants are native to tropical Asia and are very popular in Japan, China, India, Thailand and the Philippines. There are many varieties; light or dark purple, brown or green in skin color; round and slender in shape. Eggplants are used in many ways in the Orient; Tempura and pickling by Japanese, stir-fry and boiling by Chinese, stuffing and baking by Indian and Vietnamese. Oreintal eggplants are sweet and delicious, that are cooked without peeling or salting.

Cabbage

Cai bap

Cabbage is one of the most popular vegetables in the markets worldwide. There are tens of varieties grown and marketed in various regions. We would like to introduce a few varieties developed recently in Taiwan, which have quickly dominated the markets in Taiwan and Southeasten Asia due to their outstanding quality. These vegetables are very sweet, tender and well flavored. They are often identified/called Taiwanese Cabbage in the Oriental markets on the West Coast.

Edible Amaranth

Rau den

Edible Amaranth grows very well in warm climates. This fast-growing vegetable can be harvested 30 days after sowing, by the cut-and-grow-again method. Seeds are very small and will germinate best at temperature above 65 F under dark conditions. Thin plants during the growth if necessary and thinnings can be eaten. Edible young leaves and stems are cooked like spinach. The amaranth family has many groups of plants found in various regions in the world. The following varieties are the most popular leafy amaranths grown in Asia. Soft texture and tender leaves are excellent for stir-fry and soup.

Kohlrabi

Cu xu hao

Kohlrabi produces a turnip-like bulb of 2-4 inches in diameter above the ground. The plant grows best in mild climates and is resistant to low temperature. Kohlrabi matures about 65 days after transplanting into open field.

Lettuce

Xa lach

The loose-leaf and butter-head lettuces are popular for Japanese salads and Taiwanese cooking. Leaves are very tender and delicious. Plants grow very well in temperate areas from spring to fall.