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Tong Hao {茼蒿}, also known as Chinese crown daisy, is a traditional leafy green widely used in Chinese cooking. You may also see it called garland daisy, edible chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum greens or garland chrysanthemum.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy this super nutritious vegetable is in soup. Tong Hao Soup, made with minced garlic, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of freshly ground white pepper, is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to turn this humble green into a comforting, flavorful dish.
Fun Facts about Tong Hao {茼蒿}
There are two main types of Tong Hao:
- Shorter-stemmed with round, curly leaves
- Tall-stemmed with straight, pointed leaves
The shorter, curly-leaf variety is what I grew up eating in China’s Yangtze River Delta, the heart of Huai Yang cuisine. This type has a stronger herbal aroma and a more pronounced flavor. Its texture is slightly firmer and less tender.
Today, you may find the taller, straight-leaf variety more common in grocery stores, especially outside of China. That’s the version I’m using in this recipe as well.
Tong Hao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tong Hao a healthy vegetable?
Absolutely. Like most leafy greens, Tong Hao is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In traditional food culture, it’s also believed to support weight management, lung health, and cardiovascular health.
What does Tong Hao taste like?
Tong Hao has a distinctive herbal, slightly mustard-like flavor. The short, curly-leaf variety tastes stronger and more pungent, while the taller, straight-leaf type is milder and more tender.
What are the popular ways of eating Tong Hao?
Because of its bold herbal mustard flavor, Tong Hao is rarely stir-fried on its own. It’s most often used in soups, stews, or hot pots. In fact, Tong Hao is a must-have ingredient for Beijing or Huai Yang Style Hot Pot.
Is Tong Hao same as Ju Hua Cai {Chrysanthemum Vegetables}?
No. Tong Hao is a traditional annual leafy vegetable. Ju Hua Cai, on the other hand, is more recently cultivated perennial vegetable. While both are nutritious and delicious and belong to the same family, they are different plants. Read here to know more about Ju Hua Cai.
Tong Hao Soup {Quick Easy Crown Daisy Soup} Recipe
Tong Hao {茼蒿}, also known as Chinese crown daisy, is a traditional leafy green widely used in Chinese cooking. Tong Hao Soup, made with minced garlic, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of freshly ground white pepper, is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to turn this humble green into a comforting, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb Tong Hao
- 4 cups of water or unsalted broth (see notes)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
- 1/4 tsp white pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Mince the garlic using a compact food processor or a chef's knife.
- Bring the soup base to a boil. Set the heat to medium-high,. add the water or unsalted broth to a saucepan, add the minced galric, and bring to a boil.
- Preapre the Tong Hao. While waiting, wash Tong Hao thoroughly, rinse a couple of times. Trim off the exposed ends and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Cook the Tong Hao. Once the liquids is boiling, add the Tong Hao. Gently fold it into the boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.
- Season the soup. Add the salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste. Stir well, then drizzle in the sesame oil and mix again.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy a light, refreshing, and nourishing bowl of Tong Hao Soup.
Notes
- Homemade chicken broth works great for this soup.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 servings Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 56Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 2mgSodium 195mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 2g
Nutrition calculation is provided by Nutritionix to the best knowledge per ingredients description and isn't always accurate.
3 comments
This was simple and really good. I had not had a soup like this before was able to put it together while.making the rest of the meal. On the rotation. THANK YOU
I’m so glad you like it. Thank you for sharing your feedback!
Amazing. Very surprised