Kailan (Kale or Chinese Broccoli) is enjoyed for its firm texture and emphatic flavour. Only the tender portions of the stems and young inner leaves are generally eaten, as the outer leaves are quite bitter. The thicker stems are generally peeled and halved lengthwise before cooking. Broccoli stems make a good substitute. Baby kailan is a recently developed vegetable grown by crowding the plants together and force-feeding them. They have a crunchy texture and are usually cooked whole.
