蓴 (chún) - Water shield — an aquatic plant (Brasenia schreberi)

蓴Tone 2

chún ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

蓴 · chún

Water shield — an aquatic plant (Brasenia schreberi) with edible gelatinous leaves used in Chinese cuisine, particularly in soups.

Water shield — an aquatic plant (Brasenia schreberi)

Usage highlights

Water shield vegetableWater shield soupWater shield rootWater shield pondPickled water shieldFresh water shield

Synonyms

  • 莼菜— water shield (alternative simplified form)
  • 水葵— water sunflower (another name for water shield)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Water shield soup is a delicacy (蓴菜羹).
  • The leaves have a slippery texture (蓴菜滑嫩).
  • This dish features water shield (这道菜里有蓴菜).
  • Water shield grows in ponds and lakes (蓴生长在池塘和湖泊中).

Collocations

  • Water shield vegetable(蓴菜)
  • Water shield soup(蓴羹)
  • Water shield root(蓴根)
  • Water shield pond(蓴塘)
  • Pickled water shield(腌蓴菜)
  • Fresh water shield(鲜蓴菜)

Idioms

  • Thinking of water shield soup and perch slices(蓴羹鲈脍)
  • The nostalgia of water shield and perch(蓴鲈之思)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Water shield has been consumed in China for over 1,500 years, mentioned in ancient texts.
  • The plant is associated with Jiangnan region cuisine and literary nostalgia.
  • In Chinese poetry, water shield and perch symbolize homesickness and longing for one's homeland.

FAQ