Do fish have cheeks? The answer is no.
Fish cheek plant (Houttuynia cordata) has a strong fish aroma, which is why it is so named. This Vietnamese edible plant is also known as ‘fish mint,’ ‘fish herb’ or ‘fish leaf.’ The ornamental variety is known as a chameleon plant. It is native to Japan, Southeast Asia, and Southern China. Fish plant is used in cooking cultural dishes and soups. Aside from its culinary use, it is medicinal and known to relieve a variety of ailments.
Season and Cultivation
The fish cheek plant is a perennial plant that grows well in soil that is moist or wet in shady places. They do not need too much sunlight and can also be cultivated in a greenhouse with a filtered shade. The fish cheek plant can also be grown indoors allyear long submerged in water, which is a great example of permaculture. Also, it can be invasive and is best planted separately from other plants in the garden or put in a container first so that it will not spread like a weed.
Nutritional Information
The fish mint is one of the herbs with numerous health benefits. It derives its therapeutic effect from ketones and aldehydes in it which are also the reason for its foul smell.
Medicinal Uses
The fish mint has healing powers and was first discovered by the Chinese as a treatment for pneumonia. It is used as a remedy for ailments such as stomach aches, swellings, and indigestion. The leaves made into a paste and applied topically to relieve itching, rashes, and insect bites. When dried and brewed, the fish herb can also be used for detoxification and to prevent hypertension. Its detoxification potency earned it the name “dokudami” (stop poison) in ancient China.
Culinary Uses
Fish Cheek plant is a leaf vegetable and is a common ingredient in Vietnam and other parts of South East Asia. It is used to garnish homemade dishes of fish, soup, and grilled meat. The fish herb can also be written raw in salads, noodles, and fresh home-made spring rolls. Would you like to try out a tasty fish cheek recipe? The Fish Mint Chimichurri is a delicious dish made with this one of a kind plant.
At the Namkhan village, guests will get to enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh herbs like the fish cheek plant. Our Spanish Mediterranean inspired organic restaurants will offer as much as possible from the farm. Our cuisines include salads, micro greens, and salads juices, vegetable fruit smoothies, some Spanish tapas, or tortillas.
