Illustrated Compendium of Materia Medica (Vol. 31)

植物名實圖考

Lao-ye-er Tree

original: "老葉兒樹" (Lǎoyè’ér shù). Literally "Old Leaf Tree." Historically, this name has been associated with various species depending on the region, often referring to trees like the Date-plum (Diospyros lotus) or certain species of the buckthorn family whose leaves were used as a food substitute.

According to the Famine Relief Herbaloriginal: "救荒本草" (Jiu Huang Ben Cao). A landmark botanical work published in 1406 by Zhu Xiao, a Ming Dynasty prince, intended to help people identify edible wild plants during crop failures., the Lao-ye-er Tree grows in the mountains and wilds of Mi CountyModern-day Xinmi in Henan Province.. The tree reaches a height of six or seven feet. Its leaves are similar to tea leaves, but are narrower, thinner, and have pointed tips. They also resemble plum leaves, though they are longer.

The flavor of the leaves is sweet, yet they possess a slight astringency. To prepare them, gather the leaves and scald themoriginal: "煠" (yè). A specific culinary term for quickly boiling or blanching wild greens to soften them and extract bitterness. until they are thoroughly cooked. Soak them in water to remove the astringent tasteoriginal: "澀味" (sèwèi). The dry, puckering sensation often found in unripe fruit or wild foliage, usually caused by tannins.. Finally, rinse them clean and season with oil and salt to eat.