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What is Bac Ha?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 89,185
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Bac ha is the Vietnamese name for an Asian vegetable which is known by a variety of names in English including taro stem and elephant ear. The scientific name for the plant is Alocasia odora. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, and is available at Asian markets and specialty stores. It is also possible to grow bac ha at home, since it is often used as an ornamental plant in temperate and tropical gardens.

The plant is in the same family as taro, which leads some consumers to confuse the two. The use of “taro stems” to describe bac ha increases the confusion. However, the edible part of this plant is the stems, not the corms (something akin to bulbs), as is the case with taro. Although the corms can be eaten, the primary reason for cultivating the plant is the fleshy long stalks, not the corms. Just like with taro, however, bac ha must be carefully cooked before consumption, or the plant can stimulate an adverse reaction.

The reaction is caused by raphides, crystals of calcium oxalate which form in the cells of the stalks and corms of the plant. The crystals take on a needle-like structure, which causes them to pierce mucus membranes, resulting in irritation to the consumer. In taro, it is believed that other compounds may act in concert with these crystals to cause a reaction which can sometimes be extreme.

The stems of bac ha are crisp and slightly spongy, absorbing flavor very well in dishes like soups, stir fries, and meat platters. As they cook, they become tender and soft. This plant also has large heart shaped leaves, which are often removed before the plant is sent to market. At the market, bac ha stalks should be crisp, without any sign of wilting, sliminess, or extreme discoloration. They can be stored under refrigeration for up to one week.

In gardening, bac ha is sometimes referred to as upright elephant ears, since the broad leaves stand straight up from the stalks, rather than drooping. As the plant produces new stalks, it slowly grows taller, and can top six feet (two meters) in height in good growing conditions. The plant prefers tropical to substropical conditions, and does not do well in cold weather. If the plant is not happy with its growing conditions, it will go dormant, producing smaller and smaller leaves until it dies off altogether. However, if the root is still sound, the bac ha can be revived.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By kylee07drg — On Aug 07, 2011

I love making bac ha soup. The recipe I use includes pineapple, tomatoes, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and shrimp, and it is delicious.

First, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot and fry three cloves of minced garlic until they turn brown. Then, I add 2 liters of vegetable broth and 500 ml of water. I bring it to a boil on high, and then I add two pounds of shrimp. I cook them until they get pink, and then I take them out and set them aside.

Next, I add 4 chopped bac ha stalks, the pineapple, tomatoes, mushrooms, and bean sprouts. I bring everything back to a boil, and then, right before I serve it, I add the shrimp back in.

By orangey03 — On Aug 06, 2011

I have elephant ears in my garden in the summer, and I bring them indoors as a houseplant during the winter. I did not know until reading this that they were also called “bac ha.”

This plant is seriously tropical, so it has to be kept moist. I have a humidifier in my house during the winter anyway, so I just place it near the plant to make it happy. Also, I cover the soil with mulch to preserve the moisture.

I feed the bac ha with nitrogen fertilizer once a week. Since I do so much to maintain it, it responds by staying big and green.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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