Rau Tiến Vua (literally, "Imperial Tribute Vegetable"), also known as Rau Cống or Rau Công Xôi (botanically related to the Lactuca genus, close to lettuce), is a distinctive plant renowned for its noble name and unique taste. The name "Imperial Tribute" stems from historical records indicating that this vegetable was once a precious offering presented to emperors and royalty, particularly in ancient China.
Today, Rau Tiến Vua has become more widely available, yet it maintains its high nutritional value and a remarkably crunchy, crisp texture, earning it the nickname the "Land Jellyfish" (lục địa hải triết).
I. Characteristics and Origin
The Imperial Tribute Vegetable is an annual herbaceous plant. The harvested part is the stem, which is fresh green, crisp, resilient, and mild in flavor. Although it originated in temperate regions like Jiangsu, China, and typically grows near coastal areas, it has been widely adopted and cherished in the cuisine of many Asian countries, including Vietnam.
The majority of Rau Tiến Vua on the Vietnamese market is sold in its dried form, allowing for long-term storage. When preparing, the dried stems simply need to be soaked in water to rehydrate, expanding to nearly their original size and regaining their signature crispness.
II. Nutritional Value and Amazing Health Benefits
Rau Tiến Vua is not just a delicious food but also a nutritional treasure trove. Analyses show that this vegetable contains over 20 types of minerals and numerous essential amino acids. According to traditional medicine and modern research, the Imperial Tribute Vegetable offers several significant health advantages:
Clears Heat and Detoxifies: The vegetable has cooling properties, helping to cleanse the body and support the elimination of toxins.
Supports Digestion: Rich in dietary fiber, Rau Tiến Vua stimulates bowel movements, prevents constipation and indigestion, and forms a natural barrier that helps limit cholesterol absorption.
Good for Cardiovascular Health and Blood Pressure: Containing minerals like Potassium and Magnesium, along with bioactive compounds such as Polyphenols (potent antioxidants) and Rosmarinic Acid (an anti-inflammatory agent), it can lower blood pressure, dilate and soften blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of stroke and cerebral ischemia.
Anti-Aging and Skin Beauty: Highly concentrated in Vitamin E and other antioxidants, the vegetable helps tighten skin, maintain moisture, reduce wrinkles, and slow down the aging process.
Boosts Memory and Brain Function: Nutrients in the vegetable enhance blood flow to the brain, supplying oxygen and essential nourishment, thereby improving memory and concentration.
Beneficial for Pregnant Women: Its mild nature and high nutrient content (especially iron, Calcium, and Pectin) make Rau Tiến Vua very beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding women, aiding in hormone balance and preventing anemia.
III. Delicious Dishes Made from Imperial Tribute Vegetable
Most dried Rau Tiến Vua available requires preparation. To cook, you need to soak the dried stems in clean, or warm water for about 2–5 hours until they soften and return to their fresh state. Afterward, rinse thoroughly and cut into bite-sized pieces. A useful tip is to soak the rehydrated stems in water with a little lime juice for about 15 minutes to help them retain their crispness longer.
Rau Tiến Vua is highly versatile and can be used in many tempting, crunchy dishes:
Gỏi (Salad/Nộm) Rau Tiến Vua: This is the most famous dish, which perfectly highlights the vegetable's unique crunch.
Savory Salad: Mixed with fresh shrimp, boiled pork belly or pig's ear (for extra crunch), carrots, cucumber, and a savory-sweet dressing.
Vegetarian Salad: Mixed with king oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or fried tofu, combined with a light, flavorful vegetarian sauce.
Stir-fried Dishes: Stir-frying with various meats and seafood is a simple and popular preparation.
Stir-fried with Beef: The combination of savory beef and the crunchy texture of the vegetable makes for a delicious stir-fry.
Stir-fried with Shrimp/Squid: The tender, sweet seafood paired with the crisp vegetable is perfect for family meals.
Mixed/Vegetarian Stir-fry: Stir-fried with mushrooms, carrots, and tofu to create a nutritious meal.
Sweet and Sour Pickled Rau Tiến Vua: A distinctive side dish often served during the Lunar New Year (Tết). The vegetable is pickled until crunchy with garlic, chili, sugar, and vinegar, creating a balanced sweet and sour flavor that helps cut through rich holiday foods.
Other Pickled Items: Rau Tiến Vua is also used to pickle with beef tendon or chicken feet (known as vó bò or chân gà ngâm), creating unique appetizers that are satisfyingly crunchy both in taste and sound.
The Imperial Tribute Vegetable, with its special name and high nutritional value, truly deserves its place as a precious ingredient in the modern kitchen, bringing both novel flavors and comprehensive health benefits to any meal.
