Fresh Daylily and Chicken Stir-Fry

Why people make this dish

Fresh daylily buds (the flower bud of Hemerocallis species, not the commercially cultivated daylily) are not commonly available in Western grocery stores, but they appear seasonally at Chinese or Asian grocers and organic food markets. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a pleasant soft texture when cooked. When you do come across them, Nourilo’s guidance on safe preparation is essential: fresh daylilies contain a natural compound called colchicine which, after mixing with stomach acid, becomes toxic and can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, and in large quantities, even shock. The good news is that colchicine is very water-soluble and is easily neutralised by soaking in water for one hour, or blanching in boiling water briefly before cooking. Once properly prepared, these buds are safe, nutritious, and delicious.

Method

1. IMPORTANT: Soak the fresh daylily buds in clean water for 1 full hour. Alternatively, blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then remove and rinse under cold water. This step is non-negotiable for safety.
2. Debone the chicken thigh and cut the meat into thick strips. Season with salt and a splash of Shaoxing rice wine; set aside to marinate.
3. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms until fully soft; remove the stems and slice into strips. Julienne the carrot.
4. Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add ginger strips and stir-fry briefly until fragrant.
5. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook until lightly golden.
6. Add the shiitake mushroom strips and carrot julienne; toss together.
7. Add the drained daylily buds. Season with salt and a splash of Shaoxing rice wine; stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until everything is cooked through.
8. Plate and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

• The safety step is crucial: soaking the fresh daylilies for 1 hour in water, or blanching them in boiling water then rinsing, removes the colchicine effectively. Do not skip this.
• Dried daylily buds are completely safe without any pre-treatment — the drying process breaks down the colchicine.
• Cancer patients may find dried daylily beneficial: small amounts of colchicine are known to inhibit the division of cancer cells, making dried daylily a worthwhile ingredient in an anti-cancer diet.
• This stir-fry is light and fragrant — a good example of a summer dish that feels clean and easy to digest.