Chinese Toothbrush Tree Buds

Chinese Toothbrush Tree Buds

　　The Chinese name for Chinese Toothbrush Tree Buds is "Hunmu," also known as "Shutoucai" or "Tiger Thorn." After the spring rains, the buds of this small thorny tree begin to emerge at the top, gradually growing in size and resembling eggplants. Soon after, tender shoots sprout, with leaves fanning out like those of the Chinese toon tree. Swaying gently in the breeze, they are truly delightful. It is unclear since which dynasty, but the people from my hometown used to rely on these wild buds as a delicious food source to stave off hunger. I remember that during my childhood, every year from March to April, the local farmers would set aside time to carry baskets into the mountains to gather bamboo shoots to sell at the market for a bit of salt money. On these trips, they would also pick some of the glossy, fresh Chinese Toothbrush Tree Buds to take home. After washing the oddly intimidating yet charming buds, they would briefly boil them in a pot, which caused the "tiger thorn" menace to quickly vanish. Once fished out, the buds were rinsed in cold water, drained, and placed on a plate. They were then mixed with seasonings such as chili, salt, and vinegar and served cold. The dish was refreshingly tasty with an especially fragrant taste. Back then, not many people ate Chinese Toothbrush Tree Buds, and they never made it to the markets, remaining hidden away in the deep mountain forests.

Not only are Chinese Toothbrush Tree Buds a nutritious, delicious, and completely natural green woody wild vegetable, but they also offer notable medicinal benefits. Their root bark can be used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as gastritis, nephritis, swollen lymph nodes, and rheumatic joint pain.