Bok choi Facts
Bok choi Facts
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| Interesting Bok choi Facts: |
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| Bok choi produces 10 to 14 erect, smooth, white or green stems (actually leaf stalks) that are 8 to 10 inches long. Together with leaves (on top of the stalks) bok choi can reach 12 to 18 inches in height. |
| Bok choi develops roundish, spoon-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves. Unlike the true cabbage, bok choi does not have leafy head. Instead, leaves are arranged in clusters that resemble the clusters of the celery leaves. |
| Bok choi is planted in the spring or autumn, because hot, dry weather during the summer stimulates development of flowers. |
| Development of flowers requires a lot of energy and nutrients (stored in the leaves) and as a result, leaves of bok choi change their shape and become bitter. However, certain percent of plants need to produce flowers to ensure stashes of seeds, required for the propagation of bok choi. |
| Bok choi produces clusters of yellow flowers on top of the flowering stem. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs. They attract bees, main pollinators of this plant. |
| Seed of bok choi starts to germinate 5 to 10 days after sowing. Leaves and stalks are ready for the harvest 6 to 7 weeks later. |
| Bok hoi is harvested in the morning (at low temperature) to prevent wilting of the leaves. |
| Name "bok choi" means "white vegetable" in Chinese. |
| Size, color and taste of bok choi depend on the cultivar. |
| Bok choi is rich source of dietary fibers, vitamins A, K, C and vitamins of the B group and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and potassium. |
| Bok choi has sweet, mustard-like, mild flavor and crunchy texture. It can be consumed raw (in the form of salads) or used for the preparation of stews, soups, spring rolls and stir-fries. It can be combined with cabbage, onion, garlic, ginger, rice, meat, poultry and seafood. Bok choi is integral part of Asian cuisine. |
| Bok choi contains only 13 calories per 100 g. It is recommended for persons that wish to lose weight, because it stimulates burning of calories. |
| Compounds isolated from bok choi can prevent development of certain types of cancer and reduce blood cholesterol level. |
| Bok choi contains compounds that can induce swelling of thyroid gland. People diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction should consume this plant in moderation. |
| Bok choi is an annual plant (lifespan: one year). |
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