What is it?
Morning Glory, known in Vietnamese as Rau Muong, is a semi-aquatic leafy green vegetable that is widely used across Vietnamese and other Asian cuisines . This 200g pack contains fresh bundles of this popular vegetable, which is scientifically known as Ipomoea aquatica and belongs to the same family as sweet potatoes . It features long, hollow stems with arrow-shaped green leaves that are both edible and prized for their crunchy texture . The vegetable is grown in the UK, ensuring freshness when it reaches your kitchen .
When to use it?
Morning Glory is best used as a quick-cooking vegetable side dish to accompany main meals. It is especially popular in Vietnamese households, where it is often served alongside steamed rice and protein dishes like grilled meat or fish. The vegetable is at its peak when the stems are tender and crisp, and it can be found in Asian grocery stores throughout the year, though it is typically most affordable in early summer. This versatile green works equally well as a nutritious side dish, a main vegetable component in stir-fries, or as an ingredient in salads .
How to use it?
Before cooking, prepare the morning glory by trimming about 1 inch off the fibrous ends of the stems. Using your fingers, snap the stems into 5-inch segments—this helps you feel which parts are tender and which are tough and should be discarded . Wash thoroughly by soaking in cold water and lifting the leaves out to leave any dirt at the bottom.
The most classic and simple preparation is stir-frying with garlic (Rau Muong Xao Toi): heat oil in a wok, add minced garlic and fry until fragrant, then add the morning glory stems first followed by the leaves, along with a splash of water, and cover to steam for about 2 minutes. Finish by tossing with oyster sauce and a pinch of sugar . Alternatively, you can make a traditional Vietnamese morning glory salad: remove the lower stems, cut them into thin strips and soak in iced water for 30 minutes to make them curl, then toss with dressing made of sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce, and garnish with peanuts, mint, and fried shallots .
Why is this better?
This Morning Glory is a product of the UK, meaning it is freshly sourced and has a shorter journey from farm to table compared to imported alternatives . It is packed with nutritional benefits—rich in vitamins C, B1, and B2, as well as minerals like iron and calcium that are beneficial for eye health and anaemia prevention . The vegetable is also versatile, working well in stir-fries, soups, salads, and even as a boiled side dish with dipping sauce. Its distinctive crunch when cooked (often described as having a slight "squeaky" texture when chewed) sets it apart from softer leafy greens like spinach .
Comparison with in-line products
Longdan offers Morning Glory (Rau Muong) as a fresh, chilled vegetable product sourced from the UK, with a short expected shelf life of 2 days . Unlike other leafy greens such as spinach or kale, morning glory has hollow, crunchy stems and a unique texture that retains its bite even after cooking. Compared to other Asian greens, it is notably semi-aquatic and grows aggressively in moist conditions—this characteristic gives it a distinct tenderness and freshness when harvested correctly . While products like Perilla (Tia To) or Hot Mint (Rau Ram) are used primarily as aromatic herbs in small quantities, Morning Glory serves as a substantial vegetable component for a meal. The 200g pack provides enough for a generous side dish for 3–4 people when cooked, as it wilts down significantly during cooking, making it an excellent value fresh vegetable option for those wanting to recreate authentic Southeast Asian meals at home .
