Lunar New Year is the time when all the culinary stops are pulled out. Staples such as ginger, squash, and leafy veg really shine in festive spreads, bringing families around the same table (or tables) to enjoy a feast. Come February 12, expect a two-week-long celebration centered around symbolic food, family, and fun. With the Year of the Ox almost upon us, bring both luck and sales to your produce aisles with these category drivers…
Long Beans
Also known as Yardlong Beans, these are firmer and longer than regular green beans and hold up really well to the high heats used in stir-frying. Long beans are actually more closely related to black-eyed peas and provide a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. This versatile vegetable can be used in multiple preparation methods, from stir-frying, steaming, and boiling, to a snack or salad ingredient.
Chinese Eggplant
Tender, versatile, and widely used across multiple cuisines, Chinese eggplant is unlike many varieties. The vegetable offers a tender skin that does not have to be peeled, which preserves the texture, taste, and shape of the eggplant. The item has several different preparation methods to fit your fancy—from baking or broiling to stir-frying or deep frying.
Buddha’s Hand
Though it looks to be more of a Halloween-suited fruit, this item is one of the oldest citrus fruits on record. Coveted for its sweet, floral fragrance and mild zest with little-to-no flesh or juice, Buddha’s Hand is all rind and pith. Think of it more as a presentation piece; although the rind can be candied or used in baking and other recipes. Buddha’s Hands are also used as offerings in temples during the holiday. Like cocktails? This is a great ingredient for infusing into spirits.
Napa Cabbage
A staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines, this cabbage has a sweet, mild flavor that can be used in soups, as filling in egg rolls, and eaten raw in salads. The crunchy, unique texture of its leaves continues to make this cabbage one of the most sought-after ingredients in Asian cuisine.
Opo Squash
This Asian squash, also known as a Bottle Gourd, is native to the cuisines of China and Southeast Asia and is similar to a zucchini with a very mild flavor. Prepare as you would zucchini or other soft-shelled squash and add this delicious source of vitamin C to soups or stir-frys. As a symbol of good health, longevity, and good fortune in Chinese tradition, this item brings both flavor and differentiation to produce departments as we move into the New Year.
Gai Lan | Chinese Broccoli
Gai Lan’s distinct, sharp flavor and long, leafy characteristics set this produce item apart from more common varieties. Steamed, boiled, or stir-fried, this vegetable is a great addition to any dish.
Water Chestnut
This holiday favorite is usually found in marshes, and its crunchy texture is associated with a mildly sweet flavor. Try boiling or steaming this veg to use in soups, salads, and stews; peel before use in stir-fry.
Baby Bok Choy and Shanghai Bok Choy
Shanghai Bok Choy is commonly found in mainstream markets whereas Baby Bok Choy is often found in Asian markets. With light green stems, spoon-shaped leaves, and a milder flavor, Shanghai Bok Choy is more popularly used in restaurants and home cooking. Baby Bok Choy has white, crunchy stems and dark, spinach-like leaves. Due to its smaller size, Baby Bok Choy is preferred by Asian consumers.
Snow Peas
Most often either sautéed or stir-fried, snow peas are one of the easiest vegetables to prepare and have a sweet, crisp flavor. Their versatility and plentiful health benefits make snow peas a great addition to a healthy diet and can be eaten raw as a delicious snack.
Daikon Radish
Looking for good fortune? This vegetable may be beneficial to have around. A fundamental part of Asian cuisine, this veggie has a mild flavor; crispy texture; and a powerful, earthy aroma. The flavor tends to vary throughout the vegetable as the bottom is usually the most poignant and the top is the sweetest.
Ginger
Valued for its spicy flavor and medicinal benefits, ginger can be sliced or grated to add zest to Asian dishes. Try combining ginger with soy sauce, olive oil, and garlic to make a flavorful salad dressing.
Kumquats
Literally translated to “golden orange” in Chinese, this tiny specialty citrus item has sweet, edible skin and a tart inner-flesh. Kumquats also provide an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber as well as calcium and iron. Like Navel oranges and mandarins, this citrus item is said to bring luck, wealth, and prosperity.
Table Grapes
Associated with wealth and abundance, table grapes are another produce favorite that bring good luck and prosperity. While grapes are great gift options amongst close friends and family members, they are often served as holy offerings in Buddhist temples and family shrines. Plus, grapes are a great snacking fruit and are easy to handle and serve amidst a busy day of preparation and greetings—a bonus for consumers that have a busy schedule throughout the holiday.
Peaches
Peaches represent longevity and immortality. The fuzzy stonefruit appears in several myths and legends and is viewed as a lucky item to eat during the New Year celebration. Great grilled, baked, or on its own, one thing is for sure: you can’t go wrong with a basketful of peaches.
Oranges
This category star is very popular during this festive celebration because it looks like the sun, often signified as an auspicious symbol of abundance, wealth, good fortune, and happiness. Perfect as a snack or incorporated in a variety of dishes, oranges bring great flavor and health benefits—and good luck!
More Auspicious Offerings...
Produce items such as apples, pomegranates, mandarins, lotus root, and spring onions are easy to display, both in produce aisles and in households. There are a lot of common fruits and vegetables that have several crossover meanings and symbolisms, many revolving around luck, wealth, and happiness. Help shoppers welcome 2021 with a little bit of fresh produce luck, and we as an industry will be prosperous together.
SOURCE | Information provided by AndNowUKnow and The Snack Asian Produce Contributors 
