Knowing what to eat when is an art. The renowned Chinese medical text Huangdi Neijing states: "Eat the grains of the season," meaning consume foods that are in season—essentially, eat what's naturally available now rather than out-of-season produce. In spring, when all things revive, the most abundant seasonal foods are "sprouts." Let's explore which sprouts experts recommend for consumption, offering both delicious flavor and health benefits.
1. Chinese Toon Tree (Tun) Sprouts
The consumption of Chinese toon tree sprouts has long been a tradition in China, widespread throughout the country since the Han Dynasty. Rich in nutrients, these sprouts also possess medicinal properties, primarily treating wind-cold invasion, rheumatic pain, stomachaches, and dysentery.Su Shi once wrote an essay praising toon trees titled "Spring Vegetables": "How richly blessed is our Shu region with winter greens, frost-kissed leaves and dew-kissed buds in the chill." Historical legend holds that as early as the Han Dynasty, edible toon shoots were among the two major tribute offerings from the north and south, cherished by emperors and court nobles. Su Shi of the Song Dynasty extolled: "The toon tree bears fruit, and its fragrant leaves are edible."
Tangerine tree leaves contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and other nutrients. They are known to tonify deficiency, strengthen yang energy, secure essence, nourish the kidneys to promote hair growth, reduce inflammation, stop bleeding, alleviate pain, regulate qi and blood flow, and fortify the stomach. They are particularly beneficial for those with kidney yang deficiency, cold pain in the lower back and knees, seminal emission, impotence, or hair loss.
Containing vitamin E and sex hormone compounds, it possesses anti-aging properties and nourishes both yang and yin. It demonstrates efficacy in treating infertility, earning it the reputation as a "fertility-enhancing agent." As a seasonal delicacy, its volatile aromatic compounds—including tocanin—stimulate the spleen, open the appetite, and enhance food cravings.The volatile aroma of Chinese toon can penetrate the skin of roundworms, preventing them from attaching to intestinal walls and facilitating their expulsion from the body, making it useful for treating ascariasis. Rich in vitamin C, carotene, and other nutrients, Chinese toon helps strengthen immune function and moisturizes the skin, making it an excellent food for health and beauty.
Trees of Heaven are known as "tree vegetables," referring to the tender shoots of the Chinese toon tree.Each spring around the Grain Rain solar term, its tender shoots can be prepared in various dishes. Not only are they highly nutritious, but they also possess significant medicinal value. With thick leaves and tender shoots, their green foliage edged in red resembles agate or jade. Their rich aroma and nutritional content far surpass other vegetables, making them a prized delicacy for banquets.
Tung tree buds are exceptionally nutrient-dense. Analysis shows that per 100 grams, they contain 9.8 grams of protein, 143 milligrams of calcium, and 115 milligrams of vitamin C—all ranking among the highest among vegetables. Additionally, they provide 135 milligrams of phosphorus, 1.36 milligrams of carotene, along with iron and B vitamins.
2. Bean Sprouts
Bean sprouts are referred to as "yellow rolls of soybeans" in the Shennong Bencao Jing.
Research shows that after soybeans sprout, carotene increases by 1 to 2 times, vitamin B2 increases by 2 to 4 times, vitamin B12 becomes 10 times that of soybeans, vitamin E doubles, and substances like niacin and folic acid also increase significantly.
Sprouted soybeans also exhibit a sharp increase in aspartic acid, making regular consumption effective in reducing lactic acid buildup and alleviating fatigue. Mung bean sprouts offer comparable nutritional value, containing not only protein, carotene, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other minerals, but also abundant vitamins—particularly vitamin C.
Though both mung and soybean sprouts possess a cold nature and sweet taste, their therapeutic effects differ.
Mung bean sprouts clear heat, detoxify, promote urination, and dispel dampness. They are suitable for those experiencing excessive alcohol consumption, damp-heat stagnation, dry mouth and thirst, dark urine, constipation, or red, swollen, painful eyes. Soybean sprouts clear heat, detoxify, lower blood pressure, and beautify the skin.3. Garlic Sprouts Garlic sprouts are the young shoots of garlic plants grown in fields. They possess the pungent aroma of garlic and are consumed for their tender leaves and leaf sheaths. Rich in vitamin C, protein, carotene, thiamine, and riboflavin, their spiciness primarily stems from allicin—a compound that aids digestion. Additionally, garlic sprouts effectively prevent influenza and enteritis caused by environmental pollution. They offer some protection for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.Their pungency primarily stems from allicin, which aids digestion. Additionally, consuming garlic shoots effectively prevents illnesses like influenza and enteritis caused by environmental pollution. They offer cardiovascular protection by inhibiting blood clot formation and also support liver health.