"Ai Cao"

"Ai Cao"
Originally uploaded by Food Trails.

In my teenage years I used to consume the young shoots and leaves of these plants once in a while. They were 1st cleaned in water, rubbed with salt and then sliced coarsely. Next, pan fried with slightly beaten eggs and then cooked with soup and ginger laden with my mum’s homemade sweet glutinous rice wine. These leaves have a bitter taste, but I like it.

Found these plants at the backyard of someone’s shop. But, for a moment was disappointed because the battery of the camera was already flat. However upon activation, if worked and hence managed to snap this picture and a few more photos this evening :) At least, at least, could register some memories of the trip to Changi Village, a place we do not visit often. Above all really happy to chance upon these few plants for the 1st time in Singapore at this spot! In those days, they grew wild in the front yard of my childhood home.

Found in Changi Village, Singapore