It is a common sight along roads everywhere, and is primarily considered a weed rather than a source of food. But in northwestern mountainous localities like Yen Bai Province, it is treated as a special vegetable with medicinal benefits.

Wild black-jack flowers, an intriguing salad addition in Vietnam mountains.

The most common way to eat it is by sautéing it with garlic and beef. But chopped black-jack also makes for a refreshing and crunchy addition to a salad.

The preparation process is no less elaborate. Since the herb has a pungent smell and bitter taste, it is boiled twice and then wrung dry. After each time it is soaked in ice water to preserve its vibrant color and crunchy texture. After a few rounds it is finally ready.

For people living in the northwestern region, smoked buffalo meat is the highlight of every meal. With black-jacks added to it, the dish gains depth.

The thinly shredded buffalo meat is fragrant and infused with Indian prickly ash while the flower tastes fatty and crunchy. The spices of the salad douse the herb with sweet and sour notes. Other toppings such as peanuts, herbs, finely sliced carrots, and roasted sesame seeds complete the dish.

It might be an unexpected combination but in reality, the black-jack and buffalo meat complement each other exquisitely. Some variations of the dish have shrimp crackers for more flavor and texture.

Vietnamese food, farm produce displayed at international exhibition in Japan

Nearly 20 Vietnamese businesses are showcasing products at the 46th International Food and Beverage Exhibition (Foodex Japan 2021), which kicked off in the Japanese prefecture of Chiba on March 9

Bac Giang makes production plan to ensure food security

(BGO) – Bac Giang province has devised a plan to develop the local agricultural production in the direction of improving efficiency and sustainable values, according to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The province strives to achieve an average agricultural production growth rate of about 1.6 percent per year in the 2021 - 2030 period.

Northern Vietnam households found growing opium as food

Eight families in Bac Giang Province have been found growing 300 opium plants for their own consumption or to feed their pigs.

Traditional Tet food offerings to ancestors

During the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival, each ethnic group in Vietnam has its own culinary specialties that reflect the culture of their people and are used as offerings to worship their ancestors.

Bac Giang attends International Food Festival

(BGO) - The International Food Festival 2020 was held at Diplomatic Compound in Hanoi on December 6, with the participation of nearly 150 pavilions representing embassies, foreign relations departments, non-governmental organisations and foreign cultural centres, enterprises and sponsors. 

Source: VnExpress