Certain things speak to you. Certain things feed your soul. Certain things fortify you. And certain things supercharge you on a cellular level. Chijimisai (sounds like Chi-ji-me-sai where the 'j' is soft like in Taj Mahal), a tender yet hearty Asian green, has been speaking to us at Frontline. Certain foods with vital nutrients that fortify our physical structures. Chijimisai, is one such exceptional source.
Why is this a Superfood? Why hearty? Why nutty? Why super green? Let's dive into the abundant minerals, proteins and essential vitamins found in Chijimisai, absorbing into us with their healthful benefits that make Chijimisai a true superfood.
Minerals:
Minerals play a crucial role in the overall health and functioning of our bodies, and is a wonderful source of these essential minerals. here are some key minerals in Chijimisai:
Calcium: Essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as aiding in muscle function and nerve transmission.
Iron: Important for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and plays a role in energy metabolism.
Potassium: Regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
Magnesium: Involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, contributing to bone health, energy production, and muscle function.
Phosphorus: Necessary for forming bones and teeth, and playing a role in energy metabolism and DNA synthesis.
Proteins:
Proteins are the building blocks of life, and in Chijimisai, you'll find a remarkable array of these essential nutrients.
Essential Amino Acids: Chijimisai is rich in essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins that our bodies require for optimal functioning. These include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
Umami Contributor - Glutamic Acid: Chijimisai contains glutamic acid, an amino acid that contributes to the delightful umami flavor while also supporting various physiological processes.
Energy Booster - Aspartic Acid: Chijimisai provides aspartic acid, an amino acid vital for energy production and the synthesis of other essential compounds in our bodies.
Multi-functional Arginine: Chijimisai supplies arginine, an amino acid involved in numerous biological functions, including wound healing, immune function, and hormone secretion.
Structural Support - Proline: Chijimisai is a source of proline, an amino acid crucial for protein structure and function, collagen synthesis, and maintaining healthy connective tissues.
Antioxidant Ally - Cysteine: Chijimisai enriches our diet with cysteine, an amino acid known for its antioxidant properties and role in protein structure and function.
Vitamins:
Vitamins are vital organic compounds that our bodies require in small amounts for proper functioning and overall health. Chijimisai is rich in various vitamins, making it an important addition to our diet.
Vitamin A: Maintains healthy vision, promotes immune function, and supports cell growth and development.
Vitamin C: Crucial for immune function, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and iron absorption.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health, activating proteins that regulate these processes.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Necessary for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and proper fetal development during pregnancy.
Vitamin E: Protects cells from damage, contributes to immune function, and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Seed Saving
We are proud to share that at Frontline, we have taken a special approach to cultivating Chijimisai. We know the power of acclimation and the importance of adapting plants to our specific bio-region. That's why we have diligently saved the seeds from last year's crop and planted them this year. By doing so, we have allowed the Chijimisai plants to develop a deeper connection with our soil, climate, and unique surroundings. This acclimation process nurtures a stronger, more resilient crop, ensuring that the Chijimisai we grow is perfectly suited to thrive in our local conditions. It's a labor of love and a commitment to providing the best, most flavorful Chijimisai possible, grown right here in our own backyard.
With all these vital elements embedded in this superfood, we welcome and embrace all the future conversations this green inspires. It's time to embrace the nourishment, the taste, and the benefits of Chijimisai.
Written by JaSon Auguste, founding member and Farm Manager at Celebration Community Farm