The efficacy and function of bitter thorn flower

During the Qingming Festival, lush green and milky white bitter thorn flowers bloom everywhere in the mountains, cliffs, hills and streams of Huize. A hint of fragrance and wildness adds some vitality to the spacious suburban park.

The bitter thorn is a small shrub with dead leaves, multiple branches, and hard thorns growing on the branches. Between March and April, many spike-shaped milky white flowers appear on the top of the branches. Its growth environment is 1,500 meters above sea level and is widespread in Huize and nearby counties and cities.

The roots, leaves, flowers and fruits of the bitter thorn can all be used as medicine, and have the effects of clearing away heat and removing fire, clearing heat and dampness and reducing swelling, and promoting qi and removing stagnation. Its flowers can be used to make cooling tea, and the fresh and dried flowers can be used to make medicinal pillows. However, using bitter thorn flowers to make dishes is not yet familiar to everyone. As early as the 1970s, farmers in mountainous areas were relatively poor and depended on water for their livelihood. Wild mustard and wild fruits naturally became emergency food during the spring famine. Nowadays, young people and tourists can taste bitter thorn flower dishes, so they can truly taste the precious natural specialties.

There are many ways to prepare bitter thorn flower dishes. The following is a brief introduction to the three common cooking methods in Huize: wash the picked flowers, blanch them in boiling water until they change color, then soak them in cold water for 1-2 days, pick them up and soak them repeatedly to remove the astringency, squeeze out the water, chop them and set aside.

To cook "Salted Pork Bitter Thorn Flower", wash the bacon with warm water and chop it into small pieces. A frying pan can easily get on fire, so add in animal oil and heat it to 70% hot, add the meat and stir-fry the bitter thorn flowers, then add chicken essence, salt, pepper, chili peppers, etc. and stir-fry until done.

To make "eggs with bitter thorn", mix the eggs, put them into the pan and stir-fry, then add bitter thorn and stir-fry until cooked, then add pepper and other seasonings.

To cook "bean paste and bitter thorn flower", stew fresh green cowpeas until soft and into a paste, stir-fry the bitter thorn flower, add the bean paste and stir-fry, then add salt and other seasonings.

According to relevant information, the crude protein content of bitter thorn flower is 20.79%, with a complete range of amino acids, and contains a variety of nutrients such as VB1, VB2, VPP, VC and carotene. It is rich in mineral elements and contains appropriate amounts of nutrients such as cellulose, carbohydrates, acid and gum arabic. It has a complete range of nutrients, rich ingredients, and has high nutritional value.