Late Choy Sum – Zeng Cheng

Zeng Cheng Choy Sum is one of the most famous Choy Sum in southern China. In warmer climates it is usually grown in winter and takes longer time to produce flower stalk than other varieties. Start sowing in Autumn, 60 days later, it produces huge flower stalks which could weigh over 1 pound. Its flower stalk is tall and thick which is amazingly juicy and tender with great sweetness. The stem is so thick, it can slice into thin pieces used in stir-frying. In cooler climates, Zeng Cheng can be grown in Spring when it will flower earlier with thinner main stalks but equally many side stalks. Generally planted in the tenth month of the lunar calendar and harvested about 60 days later, the growing season is long, and each choy sum weighs about 1 jin (apple pound) at harvest time. Like other late-season choy sums, Zengcheng choy sum can also be planted in spring, sprouting slightly earlier and producing abundant side sprouts. Check out our YouTube videos for suggestions on how to start Choy Sum seeds and how to grow Choy Sum in your garden ! Zengcheng’s late choy sum, also known as tall-legged choy sum, and is a variety of Guangdong choy sum. Because it’s grown and harvested in winter, it often doesn’t reach market until late winter, later than other choy sums, earning it the name. Zengcheng choy sum is known as the ” King of Choy Sums ” and the “Crown of Vegetables . ” Zengcheng’s late choy sum boasts a long growth cycle, crisp skin, tender flesh, and a unique, sweet flavor, earning it a high reputation among diners. Because a typical choy sum weighs no more than 50 grams, each late choy sum can weigh up to 500 grams, earning it the nickname “choy tree” in Guangzhou. When it was first introduced to Guangzhou in the 1980s, many residents didn’t recognize it, believing it was old and brought to the provincial capital by farmers who couldn’t eat it anymore. Consequently, they called it “choy tree,” and few bought it. In reality, despite its tall and large size, the late choy sum is remarkably tender, with a crispy, sweet, and refreshing taste. The lower part of the choy sum, with its thicker diameter can be sliced ​​horizontally for stir-frying with meat. Temperature chart