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Hon Tsai Tai
This beautiful plant is entirely edible from the purple stems to the dark green leaves, including the tasty, yellow flowers. The blooms are very popular among chefs and, along with the shoots, are quite tender. Hon Tsai Tai is similar to broccoli rabe, but has a sweeter flavor and more delicate texture.
Category
Days to Sprout
Taste It for
Temprature
Germination
Pollination
Prunning
Plant Health
Support
Harvest
Vegetables
7-14
N/A
Prefers cooler temperatures (65-70F).
Since Hon Tsai Tai has a robust root system, we suggest checking the roots monthly and trimming any that are brown or extending past the yPod. Hon Tsai Tai needs minimal pruning when harvested regularly. Snip any yellow or brown leaves if they appear.
For ongoing harvest of sweet and tender leaves, snip the outer leaves just above the base of the plant once they reach 4 inches tall to let the inner leaves continue to grow. Don’t cut more than 1/3 of the plant if you want it to keep growing.
Harvest the long, thin, red-purple flower stems when they reach 8-10 inches long and the flowers just begin to bloom. These stems should snap away from the plant easily; those that do not are over-mature and may be more fibrous.
Origin
Hon Tsai Tai, sometimes called purple choy sum, is a unique variety of greens difficult to find outside of Asian markets. It is a descendent of Chinese flowering cabbage and is closely related to yu choy greens.
Qualities
This beautiful plant is entirely edible from the purple stems to the dark green leaves, including the tasty, yellow flowers. The blooms are very popular among chefs and, along with the shoots, are quite tender. Hon Tsai Tai is similar to broccoli rabe, but has a sweeter flavor and more delicate texture.