Chinese Toon Shoot and Spring Onion Scrambled Eggs

Why people make this dish

Chinese toon shoots (xiang chun ya) are a lovely seasonal treat, available in early spring — wonderful scrambled with egg or simmered with tofu. Timing matters: spring shoots are best, because after mid-April the leaf buds carry much higher levels of nitrates and nitrites, so only the tender early-spring shoots are ideal for cooking. A simple stir-fry with a little spring onion makes a fragrant, comforting dish.