Rau Tần Ô | Chrysanthemum Greens

Rau Tần Ô | Chrysanthemum

WHAT IS IT?

Crown daisy, rau cải cúc, are other English and Vietnamese words for Chrysanthemum (rau tần ô). The leaves are small to medium in size, thin, and flat.

The green leaves grow in an alternating pattern and have softer serrated edges. The stems are sturdy and lighter in color and the greens themselves have a subtle floral grassy scent.Think: chrysanthemum tea.

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

Chrysanthemum leaves are tender with a mild, grassy flavor. The greens are darker in color, but still have a slight sweet peppery flavor similar to mustard greens. Chrysanthemum has a bitter, stronger bite with age. 

Older Chrysanthemum greens will be bolder in flavor.

HOW TO SELECT IT? 

Selecting smaller, younger leaves will yield a sweeter, subtler, grassy peppery flavor. Older greens will be better for cooked applications. Avoid herbs that are torn or wilting and any that have yellow edges.

HOW TO USE IT?

Snap or trim the ends of the roots. Make sure to wash well. Similar to spinach, these greens cook really quick. If allowed to cook too long, they will get slimy, so make sure to blanch or stir fry quickly.

These greens do not hold up well in long cooking times. Alternatively, if separating the leaves from the stem, the stems will hold up to longer cooking times. 

WHAT VIETNAMESE OR OTHER RECIPE IS IT MOST COMMONLY USED IN?

You will find this green in everyday Vietnamese soups like Canh Tần Ô, stir fried, eaten raw as a salad with Nuoc Cham, Hu Tieu, and most commonly seen in a variety of southeastern Asian Hot Pots. 

Chrysanthemum can be found in soups like Hu Tieu, hot pots, stir fries, or with younger leaves eaten as a salad.

WHERE TO FIND IT?

Chrysanthemum is easily found in Asian markets. If found in a:

• Chinese market look for tong ho

• Japanese market look for shungiku

• Korean market look for ssukgat

I have yet to see this in an American grocery store.

HOW TO STORE IT?

Similar to spinach in storage, keep in the climate controlled drawers in your refrigerator for up to one week.