Zhiwu Mingshi Tukao (Vol. 2)

Mountain Flat Bean

original: 山扁豆, Shānbiǎndòu; identified as Chamaecrista mimosoides, also known as the Sensitive-plant-like Senna

The Famine Relief Materia Medica original: 救荒本草, Jiùhuāng Běncǎo; a 15th-century treatise on edible wild plants for survival states that the Mountain Flat Bean grows in fields and wild areas. It is a small-statured plant, with seedlings reaching about one foot in height.

The leaves resemble those of the Puncture Vine original: 蒺藜, Jílí; Tribulus terrestris but are slightly larger. The leaves at the base are somewhat longer than Alfalfa original: 苜蓿, Mùxu leaves and also resemble the leaves of newly sprouted Peas original: 豌豆, Wāndòu.

The plant produces yellow flowers and bears small, flat pods. The taste is sweet.

Preparation:
Harvest the tender pods and scald original: 煠, zhá; a cooking technique involving brief immersion in boiling water to soften and remove bitterness them for consumption. When the beans are fully ripe, harvest the beans themselves and boil them for food.