Fish Mint Root (Zhe Er Gen)
魚の腐った匂い！？ハマると抜け出せない「貴州の魔性の根っこ」
Description
The 'white root' of the Houttuynia plant, known as a herb (Dokudami) in JP. A vegetable with fans so fanatical it's arguably loved more than rice in SW China (Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan). As the name 'Fish Smelly Grass' (Yu Xing Cao) implies, it has an intense fishy odor and unique aroma.
Classification: Ultra Hardcore, Ingredient, Vegetable, Zhe Er Gen, Fish Mint, Houttuynia Root, Yunnan/Guizhou Cuisine, Pungent Odor
Shops selling Fish Mint Root (Zhe Er Gen)
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The How to use section below is a general reference, not instructions from the listed shops.
How to use
Ingredients
- Houttuynia cordata root(Fresh)
Instructions
- [Typical Uses]
- [Liangban Zhe Er Gen (Cold Root Salad)]: Chunk raw roots and toss with massive chili, vinegar, soy, and garlic (Guizhou national dish).
- Stir-fry ingredient (with Chinese bacon).
- Condiment for hot pot or teppanyaki.
Learn more Substitutes, pairings, tips
Key spices
Intense smell reminiscent of raw fish or mud、followed by a crunchy texture and clean aftertaste
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
(Irreplaceable. Unique aroma)
Pairing
Chili / Black Vinegar / La Rou / Ultra-Spicy Dishes
Trivia
Highly detoxifying/antipyretic; smokers eat it to 'cleanse lungs'. It's so popular in Guizhou they even sell 'Zhe Er Gen flavored potato chips'.
Eating tips & etiquette
Guizhou people say 'can't live without it', while others say 'will NEVER eat it'. Like cilantro, it's a 'love it or hate it' binary—China's most controversial vegetable.
Allergen
None