Fat choy
Fat choy | |
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Nostoc flagelliforme under a microscope | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Cyanobacteria |
Class: | Cyanophyceae |
Order: | Nostocales |
Family: | Nostocaceae |
Genus: | Nostoc |
Species: | N. flagelliforme
|
Binomial name | |
Nostoc flagelliforme Guiry, 2016[1] | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Fat choy | ||
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Hanyu Pinyin fàcài | | |
IPA | [fâ.tsʰâɪ] | |
Yue: Cantonese | ||
Yale Romanization | faat choi | |
Jyutping | faat3 coi3 |
Transcriptions | |
---|---|
Southern Min | |
Hokkien POJ | thâu-mn̂g-chhài |
Fat choy (traditional Chinese: 髮菜; simplified Chinese: 发菜; pinyin: fàcài; Jyutping: faat³ coi³; Nostoc flagelliforme) is a terrestrial cyanobacterium (a type of photosynthetic bacteria) that is used as a vegetable in Chinese cuisine. When dried, the product has the appearance of black hair. For that reason, its name in Chinese means "hair vegetable". When soaked, fat choy has a soft texture which is like very fine vermicelli.
Production
Fat choy grows on the ground in the
Commercially available fat choy has been found to be adulterated with strands of a non-cellular starchy material, with other additives and dyes.[2][3] Real fat choy is dark green in color, while the counterfeit fat choy appears black.[2]
Use
China
Its name in
Due to its high price, fat choy is considered a luxury food, and only used in limited occasions. It is not eaten as a staple.[4]
Vietnam
Fat choy is also used in Vietnamese cuisine. It is called tóc tiên or tóc thiêng (literally "angel's hair") in Vietnamese.
Health effects
N. flagelliforme has no nutritional value,[
Across a 28-day duration, laboratory rats fed N. flagelliforme and the control group did not exhibit significant differences in any toxicological parameters.[6]
The algae and its extracts reduce the inflammatory action of white blood cells, specifically macrophages and splenocytes, in vitro.[7]
References
- ^ ISSN 2009-8987. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- ^ a b c "The standard.com.hk". Archived from the original on November 22, 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
- ^ "Waynesword". Archived from the original on 2004-10-10. Retrieved 2004-11-07.
- ^ S2CID 2893117.
- ^ The standard.com.hk. Mimi Lau, January 30, 2007, Ban sought on Lunar delicacy Archived November 22, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Takenaka 1998.
- PMID 23357040.
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (September 2023) |
- But, Paul Pui-Hay; Cheng, Ling; Chan, Pui Kwan; Lau, David Tai-Wai; But, Joyce Wing-Hin (2002). "Nostoc flagelliforme and faked items retailed in Hong Kong". Journal of Applied Phycology. 14 (2): 143–145. S2CID 6195505.
- Takenaka, H.; Yamaguchi, Y.; Sakaki, S.; Watarai, K.; Tanaka, N.; Hori, M.; Seki, H.; Tsuchida, M.; Yamada, A.; Nishimori, T.; Morinaga, T. (1 December 1998). "Safety evaluation of Nostoc flagelliforme (nostocales, Cyanophyceae) as a potential food". Food and Chemical Toxicology (United Kingdom). 36 (12): 1073–1077. PMID 9862649. Archived from the originalon 22 October 2018. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
External links
- "Cyanobacteria Photos". waynesword.palomar.edu. Archived from the original on 10 October 2004. Retrieved 22 October 2018.
- "food for thought". sg.bcmagazine.net. 1 February 2004. Archived from the original on 1 February 2004. Retrieved 22 October 2018.