English Name: Vietnamese Mint
Asian Name: Rau Ram, Laksa Leaf
Latin Name: Polygonum odoratum
Description:
Aromatic, creeping herb with spear shaped green leaves and attractive reddish markings that some refer to as looking like a finger print. The leaves have a fresh coriander-like flavour and aroma. Probably best to keep this plant in a large pot or tub as, in the right conditions, may become invasive. Perennial. Height 50cm.
Harvesting:
Harvest individual leaves as required and use fresh. Older leaves have a hotter flavour.
Best Results Grows well by edge of pond or in area with plenty of water. If the plants starts to look straggly cut it down very hard, cover with a little compost or potting mix and new shoots will come back very quickly. May become pot bound quite quickly too so either increase the pot size or reduce some of the root ball and return to it’s original pot.
Uses:
Add leaves at the last minute to laksas, soups and noodle dishes. Include finely shredded with lettuce in Vietnamese spring rolls. Use as a replacement for coriander.