10 New Asian Plant Varieties I’m Growing in My Garden This Year

Herbs:

1. Thai Holy Basil (Kaprao) 🌿 – A highly aromatic basil with a peppery, clove-like flavor and a hint of anise. It is a staple in Thai cuisine, especially in Pad Krapow, where it adds a bold, almost spicy kick. Unlike sweet basil, it has a stronger, slightly numbing taste that pairs well with savory dishes. 

• Common Dishes:
  • Pad Krapow (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)
  • Kaeng Pa (Jungle Curry)
  • Boat Noodles

Cucumbers:

2. Suyo Long 🥒 – A long, slender cucumber with slightly wrinkled skin and a crisp, juicy texture. It has a mild sweetness and is excellent for fresh eating, pickling, or slicing into salads. This variety is known for its resistance to bitterness, even in hot weather. 

• Common Dishes:
  • Oi Muchim (Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad)
  • Sunomono (Japanese Vinegared Cucumber Salad)
  • Chinese Smash Cucumber Salad

3. China Jade 🥒 – A smooth, light-green cucumber with thin skin and a seedless, refreshing crunch. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is great for fresh consumption or cold dishes. Its heat tolerance makes it an excellent choice for summer gardens.

• Common Dishes:
  • Pai Huang Gua (Garlic Cucumber Salad)
  • Raita (Indian Yogurt Cucumber Dip)
  • Liangban Huanggua (Chinese Cold Cucumber Salad)

Eggplant:

4. Chinese String 🍆 – (Pictured) A long, thin eggplant with glossy purple skin and tender, mildly sweet flesh. It absorbs flavors exceptionally well, making it perfect for stir-frying, grilling, and braising. This variety has minimal seeds, reducing bitterness compared to other eggplants. 

• Common Dishes:
  • Yu Xiang Qie Zi (Sichuan Fish-Fragrant Eggplant)
  • Qiezi Chao Rou (Chinese Eggplant Stir-Fry with Pork)
  • Japanese Nasu Shōga Yaki (Eggplant with Ginger Sauce)

5. Nagaoka Kinchaku 🍆 – A rare Japanese eggplant with a pouch-like shape and rich, nutty flavor. It has a firm yet creamy texture that holds up well in roasting, miso-glazing, and simmering. Its unique shape and taste make it a prized variety in Japanese cuisine.

• Common Dishes:
  • Nasu Dengaku (Miso-Glazed Eggplant)
  • Tempura Nasu (Eggplant Tempura)
  • Nasu Nimono (Simmered Eggplant in Dashi Broth)

6. Nagasaki Long 🍆 – A slender, deep-purple eggplant with a mild, sweet taste and very few seeds. It develops a creamy texture when cooked and is commonly used in grilling, frying, or tempura. This variety is particularly popular in southern Japan for its delicate flavor. 

• Common Dishes:
  • Nagasaki Champon (Seafood Noodle Soup with Eggplant)
  • Yakinasu (Grilled Japanese Eggplant)
  • Agebitashi (Fried Eggplant in Dashi Sauce)

Squash:

7. Tokyo Blue 🎃 – A dark blue-gray kabocha squash with dense, sweet, and nutty orange flesh. It develops a smooth, creamy texture when roasted, steamed, or used in soups. This variety stores well and becomes sweeter over time. 

• Common Dishes:
  • Kabocha Tempura
  • Kabocha Nimono (Simmered Squash)
  • Japanese Kabocha Soup

8. Somen Kabocha (Kinishi) 🎃 – A small, round Japanese squash with dark green skin and vibrant orange, sweet flesh. It has a fine, smooth texture and is commonly used in tempura, stews, or baked dishes. Its excellent storage ability allows it to develop even richer flavors over time. 

• Common Dishes:
  • Kabocha Korokke (Japanese Squash Croquettes)
  • Kabocha no Shiraae (Squash with Tofu Dressing)
  • Thai Pumpkin Curry

Melon:

9. Japanese Tiger 🍈 – A small, striped melon with a fragrant aroma and juicy, floral-sweet flesh. It has a refreshing taste with hints of honey and tropical fruit. This melon is often eaten fresh or used in fruit salads and desserts.

• Common Dishes:
  • Japanese Melon Parfait
  • Melon Kakigori (Japanese Shaved Ice with Melon)

10. White Lanzhou 🍈 – A Chinese melon with smooth white skin and crisp, honey-sweet flesh. It is highly prized in Lanzhou for its delicate, aromatic flavor. Often enjoyed fresh, it is also used in cooling summer drinks. 

• Common Dishes:
  • Lanzhou Melon Juice
  • Chinese Melon Salad with Mint
  • Melon and Sago Dessert Soup

Thanks for reading along, guys! If you enjoyed this, check out my other gardening blog posts:

• How to Start a Garden on a Budget for Under $100
• 4 Reasons Why Tomatoes Are the Best Vegetable to Grow
• My Garden Setup: 3 Best Garden Containers for Every Gardener
• When to Plant Indoors vs. Outdoors: A Seasonal Guide for Gardeners
• Essential and Nice-to-Have Garden Products for Your Perfect Setup
• Best Tomatoes of 2024: My Top 10 Favorite Varieties