Chew the leaf

Pak choi prevents cancer but can be toxic for sick people 

Pak choi is a type of Chinese cabbage and is widely used in East Asian cuisine. It is a distant relative of broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. It is a cool season crop and grow best in the spring and autumn. The seeds of this vegetable are sown directly into rich organic soil and start to germinate five to 10 days later.

It is a fast-maturing vegetable (which means they grow quickly) ready to harvest six to seven weeks after sowing. It is harvested by hand in the morning (or in cool weather) to prevent leaves from wilting. If very young it can be eaten raw in salads, but is best when briefly cooked.

This member of the cabbage family has a number of different names, including bok choy, horse’s ear, peking cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Chinese celery cabbage and white mustard cabbage.

Fact File

• It’s commonly used in stir fry and spring rolls.
• Because both pak choi’s stalks and leaves can be used in salads, it also provides a delicious and healthy meal for those who are on a diet.
• Pak choi is also easy to prepare.
• You need only wash the pak choi, chop it, then use it as you desire; for example, you can microwave or steam it for a simple and quick side dish or main meal.
• Pak choi is a vegetable that will continue to be used in many international kitchens because it is a tasty alternative to cabbage as well as a healthy dietary addition.
• Being in season from October to March makes it a common autumn and winter veg box ingredient.

Nutrition

• Another reason that pak choi is becoming popular to use, besides its similarity to cabbage, is because of its nutritional value. One half cup of raw pak choi, which is approximately 56 gms, contains only 10 calories.
• Additionally, pak choi contains no fat or cholesterol and is a good source of calcium.
• It is also low in sodium and high in vitamins C and A.

Good or bad

• Pak choi contains glucosinolates. These compounds have been reported to prevent cancer in small doses, but, like many substances, can be toxic to humans in large doses, particularly to people who are already seriously ill.