What Are the Benefits and Precautions of Using Jiaotou?

Garlic chives are a commonly seen food in daily life, and can be used to create various delicious dishes such as garlic chive duck. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, garlic chives are also a medicinal herb with high pharmacological value, primarily known for its stomach-strengthening and mucus-clearing effects, but it should not be consumed in excess.

1. Medicinal Properties: Garlic chives have a pungent, bitter, and warm taste. They are the underground bulbs of perennial herbaceous plants belonging to the Liliaceae family, with slender leaves and purple flowers. The tender leaves are also edible. Mature garlic chives are large, fleshy, white and crystalline, with a pungent and tender texture. They contain sugar, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotenoids, vitamin C, and other nutrients, making them an excellent seasoning and accompaniment for cooking. When dried and used as medicine, garlic chives can strengthen the stomach and clear mucus, treating chronic gastritis.

2. Health Benefits of Eating Garlic Chives: Garlic chives can be beneficial for the treatment of coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, dysentery, skin itching, and sprains. Eating garlic chives regularly can help with the management of these conditions.

3. Culinary Uses of Garlic Chives: There are many ways to enjoy garlic chives. They can be sliced or shredded and stir-fried with meat, providing a unique flavor. However, they are more commonly used for pickling. Depending on personal preference, large and white garlic chives can be pickled into sour, sweet, or spicy flavors. They have a crystal-clear appearance and a delightful aroma that makes people salivate. Lower-quality garlic chives can be mixed with chili peppers and chopped into a spicy paste, which is an excellent appetizer and digestive aid.

4. Precautions: Although garlic chives have high culinary value, excessive consumption can cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to consume them in moderation. Garlic chives are generally suitable for everyone, especially those with digestive system issues. However, pickled garlic chives contain nitrates, so pregnant women and others should avoid eating them in excess.