MOUNTAIN JELLY VEGETABLE BENEFITS FOR A HEALTHY & HAPPY LIFE

Mountain jelly is a nutritious and healthy ingredient for cooking. It’s a rare and precious vegetable due to its incredible flavor, high nutrient content, and health benefits. Check out all the mountain jelly vegetable benefits for your family and where to buy this cooking ingredient in this article. 

MOUNTAIN JELLY VEGETABLE BENEFITS FOR A HEALTHY & HAPPY LIFE

I. What Is Mountain Jelly Vegetable?

Mountain jelly, also known as celtuce, Chinese lettuce, gong cai, and rau tien vua, is a type of lettuce primarily grown for its thick stem rather than its leaves.

The stem is crisp and tender, with a slightly sweet flavor, and it can be eaten raw or cooked like a vegetable. The mountain jelly vegetable has been very popular in Chinese cuisine. Now, it is becoming more popular in other parts of the world.

II. Mountain Jelly Vegetable Benefits

People highly value celtuce for both its flavorful stems and leaves. It’s a great source of essential nutrients for people, especially pregnant women and children with great demands for vitamins and minerals. Here are potential health benefits of this vegetable.

2.1. Heart Health Improvement

Celtuce is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and E, minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium), and antioxidants. This vegetable helps reduce blood pressure, stimulate circulation, and improve brain health. Therefore, it reduces the risks of fatal diseases such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, high blood pressure, and ischemia. 

2.2. Digestive Health & Hydration

The fiber in mountain jelly vegetables can support digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and reducing the risk of constipation. Like other types of lettuce, celtuce is mostly made up of water, so it can help you stay hydrated. 

2.3. Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels

Celtuce has a low glycemic index, so it does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for people with diabetes or anyone looking to manage their blood sugar levels.

2.4. Weight Management & Skin Beauty

Celtuce is an excellent choice for weight management as it is low in calories and high in nutrient density, which can provide satiety without adding unwanted calories. The sterols & saponins in this vegetable also reduce bad cholesterol levels. 

Mountain jelly vegetable is a source of antioxidants, protein, pectin, and amino acids, making you look young and energetic. It’s also rich in vitamin E, reducing wrinkles and aging signs on your skin. 

2.5. Anti-Cancer

Antioxidants in this vegetable may help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Phytonutrients in this vegetable can inhibit the development of cancer cells. Then, it helps prevent breast cancer and stomach cancer. 

2.6. Anti-inflammatory properties

Some studies suggest that celtuce may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent relevant diseases. 

In short, celtuce is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.

III. How To Make Mountain Jelly Vegetables?

There are two popular ways to make the mountain jelly vegetable from celtuce stems, including dried and pickled vegetables. Check out how to process this kind of vegetable here.

3.1. Ingredients

Firstly, you must prepare ingredients for this kind of vegetable from fresh celtuce stems. 

• 2 cups of celtuce, washed and sliced thinly;
• ½ cup white vinegar;
• ½ cup water;
• 2 tablespoons sugar;
• 1 teaspoon of salt;
• 2 cloves garlic, minced;
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns;
• 1 bay leaf;

You should wear gloves when slicing celtuce to avoid cutting your hands when peeling and cutting the stem. 

3.2. Step-by-step Instruction For Pickling

After preparing all the required ingredients for your mountain jelly vegetable, you can start to pickle celtuce. Follow these steps to process the vegetable. 

1. You have to remove the outer coat of the stem after collecting stems. Then, wash and cut clean celtuce stems into strips. 
2. In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Boil the mixture, then reduce to a low heat and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, pack the sliced celtuce into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Pour the hot liquid mixture over the celtuce in the jar. Make sure the liquid covers the vegetable completely.
6. Let the jar cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

You can store your pickled celtuce in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy!

3.3. Step-by-step Instruction For Drying 

People can also dehydrate celtuce stems to make the dried mountain jelly vegetable. Follow these steps to dry them for a longer storage duration.

1. Remove the hard peel and cut the celtuce stem into thin strips.
2. Spread them on a clean tray and place them in a well-ventilated area with low humidity and out of direct sunlight.
3. Allow the stems to dry completely for several days or until they are brittle and no longer pliable.
4. Check the vegetables regularly to ensure they are not becoming moldy. 
5. Store the dried celtuce stems in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

Celtuce stems may take longer to dry than other herbs or vegetables due to their higher moisture content.

IV. Is Mountain Jelly Vegetable Safe?

Yes, celtuce is safe to eat for most people. In fact, people consume it as a vegetable in many parts of the world, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. Follow these precautions to consume this vegetable safely. 

• Consuming large amounts of mountain jelly vegetables or any food high in fiber could cause gastrointestinal discomfort like bloating, gas, or diarrhea in some people.
• Avoid celtuce as it could cause an allergic reaction if you have an allergy or sensitivity to lettuce or other members of the Asteraceae family, such as daisies and ragweed.
• As with any product, you must wash celtuce thoroughly before consumption to avoid potential contamination with harmful bacteria or parasites that can cause foodborne illnesses. 
• Additionally, if you are taking medication to reduce blood clotting or have a bleeding disorder, speak to your doctor before consuming large amounts of celtuce, as it contains vitamin K, which naturally supports blood clotting.

It is safe to cook dried mountain jelly with many ingredients to make delicious dishes, such as salads and stir-fried dishes.

V. Where To Buy Mountain Jelly Vegetables?

You can buy dried mountain jelly from The Rike. Celtuce is grown in 100% organic and GMO-free conditions to ensure safe, healthy, and natural crops. You can also buy celtuce seeds from this online retailer and grow them in your garden. Then, collect the mature stems to make the dried mountain jelly vegetable at home.

VI. Conclusion

You can pickle or dry celtuce to enjoy all mountain jelly vegetable benefits for your health. It can improve your physical health by supplying valuable nutrients. Besides, consuming this vegetable also helps you stay away from various ailments. Buy well-processed mountain jelly from The Rike or vegetable seeds to grow celtuce for stems to make pickled or dried mountain jelly at home.