Bracken fern in Dong Ujimqin

Bracken fern in Dong Ujimqin

　　Bracken fern belongs to the Pteridaceae family and is a perennial herbaceous plant commonly found under trees in forests and mountains. It has long stems that creep along the ground and is also known as dragon head vegetable, wild duck wing, or ruyi vegetable in southern China. In spring, it sprouts tender leaves or shoots that curl up like fists and have yellow feathery compound leaves, giving off a distinctive fragrant aroma. The tender leaves and stems are edible. Whether stir-fried or made into soup, they are delicious.

Bracken fern is highly nutritious, containing carotene and various vitamins. Every May is the prime season for harvesting bracken fern, collected before the leaves fully unfold. When harvesting, they are bundled in 6-inch lengths, with the cut ends either salted or steamed in baskets. The top-quality ones are tender yellowish-green and serve as an export and domestic resource, highly favored by overseas buyers.