High in Vitamins A, C & K and a good source of calcium, folacin, iron and potassium, Baby Bok Choy is a wonderful addition to your diet! It’s perfect in stir fries, salads or as a side dish. Here are a few tips on how to clean, store and use baby bok choy.

Cleaning

It isn’t enough to just rinse off baby bok choy on the surface. You will need to either half or quarter it lengthwise so you can get the dirt out from in between the stalks where they connect at the base. If there is a lot of dirt clogged at the base you can use a soft vegetable brush to clean it out or cut the base off and separate the stalks.

Next, place the stalks in a bowl of cold water, swishing the water around the stalks to loosen any dirt. Let sit for a few minutes in the water so all the dirt and sediment settles in the bottom.

Lift the bok choy stalks from the water and run them under water to remove any residual dirt then place in a strainer or colander. Shake well to remove any excess moisture. You can also use a salad spinner for this. Dry the stalks with paper towels or with a clean kitchen towel.

Storage

Unfortunately, like all leafy greens, baby bok choy can decompose if not stored correctly. If you are not using it right away, store it unwashed in a perforated plastic bag in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator. You should use it within 3 – 4 days. Be sure to clean it before using.

You can also pickle, freeze or dry baby bok choy but you will want to wash it before doing any of those techniques.

Uses

There are sooo many ways to enjoy baby bok choy! Check them out:

• Cut it up and add it raw to your favorite salad or sandwich for extra crunch and flavor. You can also add raw stalks of bok choy to veggie trays or fill them with cream cheese, peanut butter or guacamole.
• Braised, grilled or sauteed…baby bok choy makes an elegant side dish.
• Besides adding an enticing flavor and vibrant color, using baby bok choy in homemade or canned soups will also add extra nutrition.
• Use the tops of baby bok choy leaves as an attractive garnish when serving appetizers at your next get-together.
• Do a rough chop on the stalks and add them to any stir-fry!