Many people have the habit of eating tender leaves of Chinese Toon during the Grain Rain Season.

Tender leaves of Chinese toon, a kind of tree, originated from China. In the ancient market, the tender leaves were called “toon,” while another variety is called ailanthus alitissima.

It is said that, during the Han dynasty, our ancestors had a custom of eating Chinese toon. Together with lychee, as tributes from the north and south, the toon was well-liked by the emperors and high-ranking officials. Su Shi or Su Tung-p'o from North Song dynasty, declared insightfully that “Chinese toon is a good feast.”

With tender buds and thick leaves, Chinese toon turns purple due to its different varieties. Its dish, as the name suggests, is delicious and functions as food therapy. It is much more nutritious than other vegetables. Toonanin, the most important vitamin in it, is useful for strengthening the spleen, promoting digestion. Besides, it is also good for clearing away heat and eliminating toxins.

It is a seasonal vegetable. After Grain Rain, dietary fiber (DF) in it will be degraded and it tastes bad with lower nutrition. Thus, people should eat it before Grain Rain.

The most famous toon cuisine must be stir-fried Chinese toon with eggs. People can not help making their mouths water when smelling the tasty Chinese toon with eggs in bright colors. The pancake with Chinese toon just simply shows the original flavor. Besides, tofu mixed with Chinese toon serves as another dish, and eating it often can improve the eyesight and moisten the skin.