Gai lan, scientifically known as Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra, is a versatile vegetable with distinctive characteristics and a rich history in Asian cuisine. Often referred to as Chinese broccoli or Chinese kale, gai lan is known by different names in various Chinese dialects—"gai lan" in Cantonese and "jie lan" in Mandarin.
This vegetable features thick, flat, and glossy blue-green leaves, accompanied by sturdy stems. Its flower heads are somewhat similar to those of broccoli, yet they are notably smaller in size. Despite belonging to the same Brassica oleracea species as broccoli, gai lan falls under the alboglabra group, which is derived from the Latin words "albus" meaning "white" and "glabrus" meaning "hairless."
In terms of flavor, gai lan is reminiscent of broccoli but with a more pronounced bitterness and a stronger taste. Its unique flavor profile and hearty texture make it a popular choice in a variety of dishes, particularly in Chinese and other Asian cuisines.