Arrowroot

Ingredient Name: Arrowroot or Obedience Plant Traditional Chinese Name: 粉葛 (fěn gé) What is this? Arrowroot is the edible starch from the rhizomes (rootstock) of West Indian arrowroot It is often ground down to a powdered starch form which is completely white and powdery in form The powder itself is used as a thickener, in cakes,… Continue reading Arrowroot

Lotus Root

Ingredient Name:  Lotus Root or Lotus Rhizomes (Fresh) Traditional Chinese Name:  蓮藕 (liánǒu)   What is this? The root of the lotus flower that grows underwater It is usually long (can grow up to 4 feet in length) and brown in colour and resembles the shape of a squash The interior is lighter in colour and… Continue reading Lotus Root

Chinese Yam (Fresh)

Ingredient Name: Fresh Chinese Yam, Nagaimo, Yamaimo, Japanese Mountain Yam,  Korean Yam, Dioscorea Opposita How do I prepare it? Where can I buy this? What is the cost? Chinese yam costs around $1.50 CAD for 2 medium sized roots Any benefits? It is often used in combination with meats and other Chinese herbs to help digestion and regular… Continue reading Chinese Yam (Fresh)

Ginger (Fresh)

Ingredient Name:  Fresh Ginger   Traditional Chinese Name: 薑 (jiāng)   What is this? The ginger root is the underground stem of the ginger plant It is often used in cooking in Chinese cuisine or used in teas or used in Candies and flavouring Fresh ginger should be peeled before cooking Ginger is commonly used as a… Continue reading Ginger (Fresh)