Shanzhen Vegetable - Bracken

**Botanical Characteristics:** Bracken, also known as "demon" or "agaric," is scientifically named *Pteridium aquilinum* (L.) Kuhn. var. *latiusculum* (Desv.) Underw. ex Heller. It is a perennial herb belonging to the family Polygonaceae. The plant typically grows up to 1 meter in height. Its rhizome is long and spreading, with young parts covered in brown hairs. The petiole is deep barley-colored, measuring 40–60 cm in length and up to 1 cm in thickness. It is partially buried in the soil, usually covered with dense brown hair at the base and smooth upward. The leaves are ovate-triangular or broadly triangular in shape, three-pinnate, and can reach 30–60 cm in length and 25–55 cm in width. Each leaf has approximately 10 pairs of pinnae, with the first pair at the base being the largest. These pinnae are ovate-triangular, about 20–30 cm long and 25 cm wide, and themselves are two-pinnate. The pinnae form a sharp angle with the rachis. The ultimate segments (or lobes) are oblong to elliptical, blunt, with entire margins or slightly undulate crenate teeth on the lower 1–3 pairs. The edges are recurved, sparsely villous, and have pinnate venation, with lateral veins that branch 2–3 times. The surface of the leaves is smooth or sparsely hairy along the minor rachis and lobes, sometimes with a few hairs on the back. Sporangia are linear and located along the edges of the lobes, while the spores are tetrahedral, with three cracks and fine protrusions on the outer surface. **Ecological Habitat:** Bracken thrives on sunny slopes, forest edges, or open areas in the mountains, typically found at elevations between 500 and 1000 meters. It is widely distributed across the country and also occurs in temperate and warm temperate regions globally. It prefers sunny, shallow mountain areas and is commonly found in sparse coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests. **Cultivation and Growth Habits:** Bracken reproduces through rooting or sporulation. It is a hardy species that can grow in a variety of conditions, making it resilient and adaptable. **Utilization and Development:** The young leaves of bracken are considered a delicacy and are often referred to as the "king of mountain vegetables." They are rich in nutrients, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, ergosterol, choline, terpenes, and tannins. The tender shoots and leaves can be used in cold dishes, stir-fries, or pickled, and are particularly popular in Japan. In traditional Japanese cuisine, they are soaked in straw or wheat straw ash water, then rinsed thoroughly to remove bitterness before being dried and used in various dishes. The cooked leaves are sweet, cool, and believed to help with nervous tension, high blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies suggest it may also have anti-cancer properties. The rhizome can be processed into fern flour, which is used as a nutritious food additive. Its fibers are strong and resistant to moisture, making them suitable for rope-making. The entire plant has medicinal value, acting as a sedative, blood pressure regulator, diuretic, antipyretic, and remedy for rheumatism. It is used in treating conditions such as arthritis, hypertension, uterine prolapse, and is also applied as an insect repellent. Nutritional content of fresh bracken per 100g includes 0.43g of protein, 0.39g of fat, 3.6g of sugar, and 0.45g of organic acid, along with various vitamins. It can be used in canned vegetables, biscuits, meal replacement powders, and pharmaceutical applications. Regular consumption may help manage high blood pressure, dizziness, uterine bleeding, and arthritis, and may also offer protection against measles and flu.

FD Tofu

Freeze-dried tofu can be rehydrated by soaking it in water, broth or any other liquid for a few minutes, and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stir-fries, salads, and even as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan recipes. This product is ideal for those who want to enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of tofu, but don't have easy access to fresh tofu or want a more convenient option for storage and transportation.

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