Win-Win Choi is a type of Chinese cabbage. Instead of cabbage heads, they grow leaf blades that look a lot like mustard greens, but the flavor is nothing like it. They are a smaller version of “Joi Choi” and they can be harvested as a “mini vegetable” or you can wait for it to fully grow.
They are usually grown in China but they increased in popularity in Texas as Asians started to populate the state.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Brassicales
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Genus: Brassica
- Species: B. Rapa
- Binomial name: Brassica Rapa
Win Win Choi Trivia
- The Chinese have been growing the vegetable for over 5,000 years
- Even though the plant resembles celery, it is a part of the cabbage family
- They are sometimes called “Soup Spoon” because of the shape of its leaves
Win Win Choi Buying Guide
When looking for the perfect Win-Win Choi, look for those that are firm, with smooth white stalks and crip leaves. Always avoid those leaves that look rusty and wilted. Also, avoid spotted leaves.
They’re available at almost any time in the year so it’s not that important where you buy them from, just make sure that they’re fresh.
Win Win Choi Production & Farming in Texas
Even though the popularity went up when Asians started making Texas their homes, usually Houston, many farmers from the area aren’t quite sure how to grow these delicious and crisp vegetables. The production of these vegetables isn’t that popular as in other states such as California for example.
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Serviced united with the local farmers to create a study for these vegetables. The budget of the study is set to be around $50,000.
Local farmers’ biggest distress is the climate difference between China and Texas, but in theory, there shouldn’t be a problem to grow these vegetables in Texas.
Pesticides:
Conventionally-growing these vegetables require far fewer pesticide residues than in some other vegetables such as potatoes or tomatoes. Win-Win Choi is in the cabbage family and the pest problems are also closely related.
Geography:
The vegetable is native to one of the oldest and most renowned agricultural areas in the world. It is believed that people bred the wild brassica type in the area about 3,500 years ago.
To plant them in Texas, grow them in your home for about four weeks before the last frost of the spring. The main reason is, Win-Win Choi is vulnerable to bolting which planting indoors will prevent. They require full sun, or as much soon as possible that you can provide them. You can harvest when the leaves just started developing, or you can wait for them to fully mature.
Packaging:
When harvested, they’re left in the field for about thirty minutes so that it becomes easier to handle. They should be packaged twice, once on the field, and once in the store. They’re packaged in large boxes in which they’re shipped to the stores.
Enjoying Win Win Choi
There are a few ways one can eat this delicious and crisp vegetable. They’re usually eaten raw, you should also try dipping them in some sauces as the crispy texture makes it a great snack.
They can also be tossed in a salad with many other vegetables to create a rich flavor and a healthy meal.
One of the best ways to prepare it in my opinion is to use the Win-Win Choi in a stir-fry.
Storage:
Don’t wash it before storing it because it will rot faster if done so. Put the vegetable in a plastic bag before placing it in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. It can last up to five days in the fridge. Wash just before use.
Cooking:
As I’ve said, using them in a stir-fry is one of the best ways as it enhances the flavors. Mixing it with ginger and garlic will give an amazing aroma to the meal.
Slice the vegetable in half and if the base is too tough, cut it off. Rinse them in cold water and dry them off afterward. Heat oil in a skillet over medium fire and throw in grated garlic and ginger with dry chilies. Stir-fry for around 20-30 seconds until you can notice the scent. Put the vegetable face down, close the skillet, and let it cook for one to two minutes. Flip them over and cook for another one to two minutes and turn off the heat. Season with sesame seeds and serve in a serving bowl.
When Are Win Win Choi in Season in Texas?
To find out when Win Win Choi are in season in Texas, please check the seasonal chart below. Why is this important? We are rarely encouraged to think about the physical lengths our food travels before arriving on the market shelves. And all of this travel comes with a hefty environmental cost that is concealed from the consumer’s eye. One of the most salient benefits to eating seasonally is that you are effectively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more geographically sustainable food economy. Check other fruit and veg that’s in season in Texas now.
