Lily buds are also known as gum jum choi, golden needles and lily flowers.
What are they? The unopened buds of the tiger lily plant.
How are they available? They're usually dried, but they're sometimes available fresh, when they have a more delicate taste and softer texture.
How to choose: The dried lily buds shouldn't be brittle; choose buds that are pale and still pliable.
What else? As with other Chinese dried ingredients, lily buds must be soaked before using. After they're completely hydrated, discard the water, rinse the buds and remove the hard knob at one end. Although they're called 'golden needles', the dried buds are actually pale brown rather than golden, the colour of the fresh vegetable. In traditional Chinese medicine, lily buds are believed to reduce anxiety and alleviate insomnia. They are also used in Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai cooking.
How to use: they're a traditional ingredient in jai - the vegetarian dish eaten during Lunar New Year.