In Chongqing, the traditional salted vegetable is a popular food. People select the heads of the Chinese cabbages nurtured by the special soil and climatic conditions in this region. The food is unique for the time-honored preparation method, crispy and refreshing taste, and high nutritive value. Traditionally, people need to salt and dry it in the air three times respectively before sealing it in caves. Thanks to this processing method, the salted vegetable does not contain nitrite. Additionally, almost every family in Chongqing enjoys a meal with it and regards it as a healthy food for entertaining guests.
The local people are picking Chinese cabbages to make the salted vegetable
Drying vegetable in an open place
The local people are drying vegetable
Pickle vegetable after drying
Besides, the properly-salted Chinese cabbage heads are ideal food ingredient in many recipes. Meanwhile, you can enjoy it with a meal or eat it directly. Furthermore, people also fry rice or meat and make Sichuan-style steamed pork with it.
Traditional food after pickling
Source: Xinhuanet