Houttuynia cordata, also known as Zicai, Cer ear root, Pig's nose hole, Purple Zicai, Nine-section lotus, Lung-shaped grass, and Wu xing grass, has a unique aroma. It is an appetizing and refreshing delicacy with a distinctive flavor. As a major wild vegetable in Guizhou, it is especially popular among women, children, the elderly, and the weak, possessing strong local characteristics. This vegetable is also said to help turn white hair black.
Houttuynia cordata has been consumed since the Spring and Autumn Period and is widely distributed south of the Yangtze River. However, in mountainous areas, it is rarely collected for food and is primarily used for medicinal purposes.
【Nutritional Components】
The main components of Houttuynia cordata are carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It also contains certain amounts of methyl nonyl ketone, caprylic acid, and myrcene.
Cold-dressed Houttuynia cordata
【Medicinal Efficacy】
The entire plant of Houttuynia cordata can be used for medicine. It has a significant inhibitory effect on influenza and pneumococcus, and also has medical effects such as detoxification, clearing heat, pain relief, cough suppression, regulating qi, and strengthening the stomach. Externally, it can be used to treat scabies, eczema, hemorrhoids, and other conditions.
Houttuynia cordata can promote hair growth, turn white hair black, and has the effect of nourishing and strengthening the body.
【How to Eat】
The root of Houttuynia cordata is tender, crispy, slightly spicy, and has a fishy aroma, making it the main edible part. It can be eaten both raw and cooked. Its stems, leaves, and roots can be cold-dressed, stir-fried, pickled, or made into health beverages such as tea, wine, and soda.
The method for eating it raw involves cutting the Houttuynia cordata, salting it to remove water, and then mixing it with ginger, garlic, sesame oil, etc., for a cold dressing. Other seasonings can be chosen according to personal preference. Its characteristic is that it retains its original flavor, is fresh and crispy to eat, and has a unique aroma. There are many cooking methods for eating it cooked, such as scrambled eggs with Houttuynia cordata, Houttuynia cordata and three fresh soup, braised Houttuynia cordata with ham, and shredded pork stir-fried with chili and Houttuynia cordata, etc.