ACCE$$ TO A$IA ASIAN VEGETABLES NEWSLETTER Issue No. 8, August 1996 (English Edition)

In this issue we will present some research information on Chinese cabbage and the market survey information we have been collecting in the wholesale and retail shops for watercress.

Chinese cabbage

In the next season, trials will be carried out in Bairnsdale, Myrtleford, Tatura and Swan Hill to continue with cultural requirements and the identification of cultivars to widen the period of supply in the state, particularly extending the growing period later than July into winter. Should your require more information, please contact the regional centre closest to you. The contact numbers are:

• Bairnsdale - Nick Barton (Leader)
  TEL.: 051 520 600

• Myrtleford - Stephen Moore
  TEL.: 057 311 222

• Tatura and Swan Hill - Murat Top
  TEL.: 058 335 222

If you are interested in working out your Chinese cabbage gross profit margins confidentially, please contact Mandy Chew on (03) 92109222.

The Melbourne Market Authority is looking for Asian vegetable growers to sell their produce through the wholesale market. If you need more information, please contact Mary Stewart on (03) 9258 6100.

Overseas production of Chinese cabbage

Total recorded Asian production is around 48 million tons of which China contributes about 75 percent. "Chinese cabbage is the most important vegetable crop grown in China....production has increased tremendously during the last 30 years...in the northern provinces it now comprises 25 percent of the total amount of vegetables consumed year round and 80 percent in winter and spring" (Chia 1981).
China, Korea, and Japan are the major countries growing Chinese cabbage.

Trade

Taiwan imports show strong growth albeit from a low base. CIF prices are around $0.50/kg. Korea exports Chinese cabbage in the fresh form and the pickled form. Hong Kong and Singapore are known to be importers while China is known as an exporter.

Seed

originates from Holland, Japan, Taiwan, United States, Germany, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. (Please see Issue No. 1, June 1995 for list of seed suppliers in Australia)

Source: Market Compendium of Asian Vegetables (Grant Vinning, 1995)

WATERCRESS (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum)

also known as 'tsai yeung choy' in Cantonese and 'xa lach son' in Vietnamese is a common market and family dinner-table vegetable. It is readily available in most Asian grocery shops in Melbourne. A freely branching herbaceous perennial, it creeps or floats in or near water. The plant roots readily at the nodes. The dark green leaves are smooth, and irregularly oblong in shape with a red-purple tint.

The upper 30-40 cm portions of the hollow branching stems and associated leaves are normally eaten. The tender green tips arethe best. Raw shoots are quite peppery. In the Orient, it is used mostly in soups but may be used boiled or fried with meat. The soup is believed to clear phlegm from the respiratory system and to cleanse and cool the blood. It can also be used in salads or in sandwiches. Watercress is known to be rich in vitamins and proteins.

In the next newsletter, we will present growers with
some points to consider when entering the export market.