Edible elm samaras (yuqian)

A CLOSER LOOK

How to recognize it

Small flat round green wings surround a central seed. Use food-grade supplies; a food photograph is not sufficient for wild-plant identification.

In the kitchen

Washed and cooked, often steamed with flour, or used in dumpling fillings, porridge and other dishes. They have a mild fresh grassy flavor.

Freshness and preparation vary. Avoid roadside or chemically treated trees. Flour, eggs, fat and sauces in the finished dish need separate checking.

Ask about this ingredient

A few dishes to explore

These examples use this ingredient in typical or optional preparations. Open the dish to see the distinction; a restaurant’s recipe can differ.

Dunhuang yuqianfan (steamed elm fruits)

敦煌榆钱饭Gansu