Lily Buds

Also known as tiger-lily buds, golden needles or lily stems, dried lily buds are the unopened flowers, not buds, of a type of day lily. About 5 cm (2 in) in length, they have a slightly chewy texture and an earthy fragrance that is special. The buds serve well as an ingredient in muxi (mu shu) dishes, a stir-fried pork dish with cloud ears, and hot-and-sour soup, providing texture as well as additional dimension to dishes. Buy lily buds that are bright golden yellow in colour. Avoid dark, brittle ones, for these are too old. Available in plastic or cellophane bags from Chinese grocers or supermarkets, they are very inexpensive. Store them tightly sealed in a glass jar, where they will keep indefinitely.