Cold Tossed Fish Mint (Zhe Er Gen)
Legend has it that the renowned King Goujian of Yue not only endured hardships but also had a fondness for ‘Zhe Er Gen’ (fish mint)! Those who regularly consume it can appreciate its unique aroma, while those who haven’t find it quite unpalatable. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that fish mint can reduce inflammation, and its medicinal properties can reach the body's three burning spaces (upper, middle, and lower parts). This means that any inflammation in the body can be alleviated using fish mint, and consuming it raw yields the best results. Elders and children at home can drink fish mint water when feeling the onset of a wind-heat cold, such as sore throat and fever, effectively helping to reduce fever in a very safe manner. Smokers may steep dried fish mint in water to clear lung heat and detoxify from smoke. The artificially cultivated ‘Zhe Er Gen’ sold in the market is plump and white but doesn't taste good at all! I bought a few pounds of wild fish mint on an online store. Although the leaves aren’t abundant and don’t look appealing this season, the flavor when mixed is so aromatic that you won’t be able to stop eating!
Materials
| Fish Mint (Zhe Er Gen) | appropriate amount |
| Sesame Oil | appropriate amount |
| Salt | appropriate amount |
How To Make
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The fish mint purchased online usually comes with dirt. Wash it well with clean water a few times, then soak it in a mixture of flour and water before rinsing it clean.
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Remove the old stems and roots, breaking them into sections or cutting them as desired.
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First, sprinkle with salt and let it marinate for a while. Drain the liquid that comes out, then add sesame oil and mix well. You can also add sesame oil first and then salt, which allows the oil to coat the fish mint, making it crisper, more fragrant, and intensifying the flavor. Finally, add dried tangerine peel powder, mix well, and plate it.
