Peking or Chinese cabbage (also known as Chinese leaves) comes in various sizes from long, compact, barrel-shaped types to fat, squat ones. They are tightly packed with firm, pale green, in some cases slightly yellow, crinkled leaves. This versatile vegetable is used in Hong Kong for soups or stir-fried with meats. Its sponge like ability to absorb flavours and its sweet pleasant taste and texture make it a favourite for chefs who match it with foods that have rich flavours. It is now widely available in supermarkets as well as Chinese shops. This is a delicious, crunchy vegetable with a mild but distinctive taste. Store it as you would ordinary cabbage.