Known sometimes as Xiang Chun, 香椿. 香 means fragrant, usually in a positive way. 椿 is composed of 2 parts. 木, which means wood, usually tree or bush. In word composition it usually means the word is about building, construction, trees, wood, or shrubbery. 春 means spring or "emerging". Using these 2 parts we can derive that the word 椿 represents how the emerging spring growth is fragrant.

Usually we pick the emerging new growth of the leaves. When picking there is a sometimes unpleasant odor. Once cooked, it's chopped up finely and has a fragrance which is different than the fresh smell. It is usually cooked with tofu and that mix is eaten by itself or with rice (on the side, not usually mixed in). I can't help much with cooking instructions, but you will have much luck with recipes by searching up Xiang Chun.

Reply to this comment