A Challenge for Your Palate挑战你的味蕾

陈辅炫

指導教师：高菲菲

折耳根和辣椒一样，早已征服了贵州人的胃，是刻在贵州人骨子里的记忆。

Every outsider who visits Zunyi is likely to meet this white root-likeobject， both at street food stalls and dining tables， producing a peculiar，fishy smell. They often wonder， “What exactly is this？” This is a uniquedish from Zunyi―zheergen（ 折耳根）， also known as fish mint（鱼腥草），which is considered “dark cuisine” by many outsiders.

You may not have heard of zheergen， but youve certainly heard of fishmint. The locals in Guizhou prefer calling it zheergen. Fish mint has bothmedicinal and nutritional values. It can clear heat， reduce infection， promotehealing， and fight viruses. At the same time， it is a nutritious vegetable， richin protein， fat， and carbohydrates（ 碳水化合物）， with the whole plantbeing edible. Guizhou people use it as a vegetable or a condiment（佐料），making it a unique dish on local dining tables. Fish mint with pickledcabbage（ 折耳根拌酸菜）， fish mint stir-fried with smoked meat（ 折耳根炒腊肉）， and fish mint with dipping sauce（ 折耳根蘸水） are allcommon ways of preparation. There are also newly developed disheslike fish mint yogurt and fish mint milk tea， demonstrating the Guizhoupeoples love for this plant.

So， why do Guizhou people love fish mint？ Firstly， its linked to thelocal climate. Guizhou is a mountainous region with constant dampnessand rainfall throughout the year. Eating fish mint can help to clear awaydampness， heat and phlegm（ 痰） in their bodies. Secondly， Guizhoupeople love their chili peppers， which can lead to an excess of “heat” intheir bodies. Fish mint helps to balance the spiciness and “cool down” thebody. Therefore， fish mint and chili peppers make a perfect match.

Just like chili peppers， fish mint has long won the hearts andstomachs of the people of Guizhou and become deeply rooted in theirmemories. If you come to Zunyi， dont forget to give it a try！