Preserved Mustard Greens or Cabbage

Mustard greens are known in Chinese as ‘greens heart’ because only the heart of the plant is eaten – that is, the stem, buds and young leaves. Unrelated to and quite unlike the mustard greens of the American South, these greens are a vital part of the Chinese diet, being rich in vitamins and minerals and easy to cultivate. As such, they are enjoyed year round, either fresh or preserved. The leaves are pickled with salt, water, vinegar and sugar, making a true sweet-and-sour food that is used as a vegetable or as a flavouring ingredient, especially in soups. The preserve can be served as a snack or in stir-fries with meats, poultry, or fish.