Fresh Bok choy is an excellent source of water-soluble antioxidants and vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body. What is more, Bok choy is a vital source of B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine (vitamin B6), riboflavin, and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine, and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that our body requires them from external sources to replenish. Bok choy has been labelled as zero-calorie food as a cup serving contains about 15 calories.
Did you know?
This popular Asian vegetable is also known as Pak choi, celery mustard, Chinese cabbage, Chinease mustard, Bak choy (Chinese), and Shirona (Japanese). Native to Asia, bok choy is actually an Oriental cabbage and is relative to broccoli, cauliflower, and chard. Resembling white Swiss chard, it has thick white stalks ending in wide, dark green leaves. It is a small plant which grows upright from the ground surface with smooth white romaine lettuce-like stalks, which spread at its top to fine, glossy green, oval or round leaves. Fully grown-up bok choy may reach about 12-18 inches in height.
Storing and uses.
Once at home store whole Bok choy in a vegetable compartment inside the refrigerator, set at high relative humidity. If stored appropriately, it stays fresh for up to 3-4 days without loss of much nutrients. It is served raw in salads, cooked like spinach, stir-fried with meat or other vegetables, and included in soups.
Heaton, D., n.d. A produce reference guide to fruits and vegetables from around the world.
Nutrition And You.com. 2022. Top 8 Bok choy (Chinese cabbage) Nutrition facts and Health benefits. [online] Available at: <https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/bok-choy.html> [Accessed June 2022].