Sichuan Preserved Vegetable

Called zhacai in Mandarin and ja choi in Cantonese, it is the stems of a species of mustard green grown in Sichuan province which have been preserved in brine then pickled in fine red chilli powder. It is advisable to rinse off the chilli before use. Spicy-hot and salty, it gives both a crisp texture and a unique flavour to other ingredients. Sold in cans, it is often used in soups and in stuffings.