Fat choy (Nostic flagelliforme), also known as black moss or hair moss, is a cyanobacterium (a type of fresh water algae) that is used as a vegetable in Chinese cuisine.
When dried, the product has the appearance of black hair. For that reason, its name in Chinese means "hair vegetable". This name in Cantonese sounds the same as another Cantonese saying meaning "struck it rich" -- this is found, for example, in the Cantonese saying, gung hay fat choy ("hope you strike it rich!") that is often proclaimed during Chinese New Year. For that reason, this product is a popular ingredient in dishes used for the Chinese New Year. It is enjoyed for its texture which is like very fine vermicelli.
The algae grows in the Mongolian desert in locations with mountain streams. Over-harvesting on the Mongalian steppes for this product has furthered erosion in those areas. The Chinese government has limited its harvesting, which has caused its price to increase.
The choys were first cultivated primarily for the oil that could be pressed from their seeds.
Bok choy is a versatile vegetable that may be stir fried, sautéed, braised, or boiled in soups.
Choy sum is closely related to bok choy, but can be easily recognized by its narrow stems, long oval leaves, and — the dead giveaway — flowers, usually yellow but sometimes purple.
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