Man Tree Sprout

The Famine Relief Herbaloriginal: "救荒本草" (Jiu Huang Ben Cao). A 15th-century guide by the Ming prince Zhu Xiao, intended to help commoners identify wild edible plants during times of crop failure. states: The Man Tree Sprout Likely a species of maple, such as Acer hookeri, known for its lobed leaves and winged seeds. grows in the wilderness of the Taihang MountainsA major mountain range running through Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces. within Hui CountyModern-day Huixian in Henan Province..

The tree reaches a height of ten to twenty feet. The leaves resemble catalpa leaves but are smaller, slightly pointed, and extremely thin. The center of the leaf is typically divided into three lobes, though some are divided into five lobes. It produces pale yellow flowers. Its fruit is shaped like a whirlwind This vividly describes the winged samara of the maple tree, which spins like a propeller as it falls through the air., and it is also similar to a pine nut, though it is thinner and smaller.

The flavor of the sprouts and leaves is slightly bitter. To prepare them for consumption, pick the tender sprouts and scaldoriginal: "煠" (zhá/yè). A traditional cooking method involving blanching greens in boiling water to soften them and draw out bitterness or potential toxins. them until they are thoroughly cooked. Soak them in water and rinse them clean, then season with oil and salt to eat.