Core Insights - The rise of unconventional vegetables like wrinkled kale and banlangen (板蓝根) has become a trend in the restaurant industry, attracting both adventurous eaters and those hesitant to try them [1][9] - Health-conscious trends in the beverage sector have led to the popularity of nutrient-rich ingredients such as kale, with brands like Heytea and Cha Ba Dao introducing products featuring these vegetables [1][5] - The unique appearance and nutritional benefits of these vegetables have spurred their adoption in various dining establishments, including hot pot and Chinese restaurants [5][8] Group 1: Wrinkled Kale - Wrinkled kale, a close relative of kale, has gained traction in hot pot and Chinese restaurants due to its thick leaves and ability to retain flavor and nutrients [5][8] - Many restaurants emphasize the health benefits of wrinkled kale, promoting it as a nutritious option on their menus [5][8] - Retail platforms like Hema Fresh have reported strong sales for wrinkled kale, with a notable increase in monthly sales since its introduction [8] Group 2: Banlangen (板蓝根) Vegetable - Banlangen vegetable, a new variety developed from a cross between traditional oilseed rape and banlangen, has quickly gained popularity in restaurants [9][12] - The vegetable is marketed for its health benefits, including high vitamin content, and is being incorporated into various dishes across different cuisines [9][12] - Retailers and suppliers are actively promoting banlangen vegetable, with platforms like Hema Fresh and Dingdong Maicai featuring it prominently [9][12] Group 3: Gobi Vegetable (沙葱) - Gobi vegetable, known for its adaptability to harsh environments, is increasingly being featured in restaurants, particularly those specializing in Northwest cuisine [13][14] - Its unique flavor and versatility in cooking methods have made it a popular choice for various dishes, including stir-fries and dumplings [14][15] - Retailers are also recognizing the potential of Gobi vegetable, with fresh produce platforms introducing it to consumers [16] Group 4: Factors Driving Popularity - The rise of these unconventional vegetables aligns with current health trends, as consumers are drawn to their perceived health benefits and unique flavors [17][19] - The curiosity factor plays a significant role, as consumers are eager to try visually distinct vegetables like wrinkled kale [17][19] - The versatility in cooking methods and low preparation difficulty of these vegetables facilitate their adoption in both B2B and B2C markets [19]

Core Insights - The return of the "wrinkled leaf vegetable" has been marked by significant sales growth, with a reported 80% month-on-month increase since its launch on Hema Fresh, and over 1,000 orders in the last month [1][6] - The introduction of this vegetable follows a trend of high-priced, unique vegetables entering the market, similar to the previously popular "ban lan gen" vegetable [6][24] - Both the wrinkled leaf vegetable and ban lan gen are considered "laboratory vegetables," developed through scientific breeding methods to meet consumer preferences [7][8] Product Development and Market Introduction - The wrinkled leaf vegetable was developed by Wuhan Asia-Africa Seed Industry Co., Ltd., with a focus on creating a variety that retains the nutritional benefits of kale while catering to Chinese culinary preferences [11][12] - The development process took over a decade, with successful cultivation achieved in 2020, leading to its market introduction in late 2022 [11][12] - The vegetable's market presence is still limited, with a current planting area of 5,000 acres, and plans to expand to 10,000 acres [27] Consumer Reception and Sales Performance - The wrinkled leaf vegetable is priced at approximately 10.8 yuan per 100g, making it relatively expensive compared to traditional vegetables [15][26] - Despite its novelty, sales figures indicate that it has not yet reached the popularity of more established vegetables, with only 1,000 monthly orders compared to 10,000 for more common varieties [26][27] - Consumer feedback on the taste has been mixed, with some describing it as needing specific cooking methods to enhance its flavor [28][32] Market Trends and Future Outlook - The trend of introducing unique vegetables is driven by consumer demand for health, taste, and novelty, with platforms like Hema and Dingdong Maicai actively seeking out new varieties [22][24] - The success of these new vegetables will depend on their ability to meet consumer expectations for taste and quality, as well as effective market supply management [33] - The potential for these vegetables to become mainstream depends on their adaptability to different regional tastes and the overall market saturation of unique vegetable varieties [33]