Lily cultivars
Lily is not only an elegant flower in the courtyard, but also a treasure plant with the same origin as medicine and food. According to statistics, there are more than 120 lily varieties in the world, but only one-tenth of them can actually be served on the table. This article takes you to systematically sort out the lily variety system and reveal which varieties of bulbs can be used as ingredients. Appreciation of lily ornamental varieties Perfume lily: The fragrance queen flower shape is as full as a rosette, and the milky white petals have a pearlescent texture. The rich aroma can fill the entire space. It is often used in making wedding flower sticks. Its bulbs contain trace amounts of alkaloids and are not suitable for consumption. Lily: The orange-red petals of the flame spirit roll back like a dance skirt, covered with velvet-like purple spots. This variety has dual attributes. It is not only used for ornamental cultivation, but its bulbs can also be eaten after professional treatment. Narcissus lily: The double-petal fairy hexagonal double-petal corolla looks like a narcissus, and the pale pink gradient petals contain a fresh and faint fragrance. Although the flower shape is outstanding, its underground bulb fibers are rough and not suitable for consumption. Shandan lily: The beauty of wildness is the slender leaves set off the fiery red flowers, and the tips of the petals naturally turn out to form unique wavy patterns. It is mainly distributed in the northern mountains, and its bulbs are tiny and have no edible value. Identification of lily edible varieties: Longya lily: The nourishing saint product has thick scales and ivory color, and a starch content of as high as 70%. The quality is the best in Shaoyang, Hunan Province. After cooking, the taste is pink, waxy and slightly bitter, making it suitable for cooking healthy medicinal dishes. Lanzhou lily: A sweet model specialty variety in Qilihe District. The bulb is as white as jade, and the raw food is crispy, sweet and without bitterness. Contains 18 amino acids and 7 trace elements and can be directly mixed cold or stir-fried. Yixing lily: A Jiangsu geographical indication product, a delicacy in Taihu Lake. The scales are closely laminated and appear translucent when cooked. Rich in colchicine, it needs to be blanched before cooking. Selection and precautions for edible lily selection. High-quality edible lily bulbs should have a diameter of more than 6cm, and the outer scales should be complete and free of black spots. Special attention should be paid to: Ornamental lily bulbs contain toxic alkaloids, which may cause vomiting and diarrhea by mistake. It is recommended to purchase products marked "Edible Lily" through regular channels and soak them in clear water for 2 hours before eating to remove trace toxins.
From the courtyard to the dining table, lilies show natural gifts in different forms. Only by mastering the characteristics of the species and eating norms can we enjoy this delicious delicacy from underground while appreciating the flower appearance.