Seed seller tells how to grow, how to cook Asian vegetables

Sue Berge came to the United States from China to study engineering and ended up creating a successful line of Asian vegetable seeds.

The diverse offerings from New Dimension Seed are ideal for our climate, for Berge lives and gardens in Scappoose, Ore. (not far from Portland). Her goal is to make it as easy as possible for people to enjoy these sometimes unfamiliar vegetables, so each moisture-resistant seed packet includes information on characteristics, planting and harvesting.

The spring selections of seeds (with a green border; pink borders are for fall planting) include such intriguing vegetables as green queen kohlrabi, butter joy soybean, crimson lady finger radish and candle stick gai lan, also known as Chinese broccoli.

Berge not only makes sure you know how to grow her seeds, but also how to cook with the results. Check out the back of each seed packet for delicious-sounding recipes such as jambalaya with baby bok choy, asparagus beans delight or pickled kohlrabi with garlic and dill.

On Sunday, April 18, Berge will present "An Asian Vegetable Primer" at Molbak's Nursery. She'll share recipes and growing tips, plus show slides from her demonstration garden and travels in China.

"My primary purpose of presenting the seminar is to explain the characteristics of these vegetables, and encourage people to venture out a little to try them," says Berge.

The seminar is free, and will be held at 1 p.m. at Molbak's in Woodinville, 13625 N.E. 175th St. New Dimension Seed is carried by Molbak's and other area nurseries; see www.newdimensionseed.com for more information.

Valerie Easton also writes about Plant Life in Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine. Write to her at P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111 or e-mail planttalk@seattletimes.com with your questions. Sorry, no personal replies.