Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Yuzhu)

Ingredient Name:  Yuzhu, Polygonatum rhizome, Fragrant solomonseal rhizome, Solomon’s Seal Traditional Chinese Name: 玉竹  (yu zhu)    What is this? A type of rhizome that is dug up, dried, and cut into thin, length-wise pieces Adding yuzhu to Chinese soups will sweeten the soup and balance heatiness The term yu zhu literally translates to “jade bamboo” How do… Continue reading Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Yuzhu)

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)

Papaya

Ingredient Name: Papaya Traditional Chinese Name: 木瓜; (mù gua) What is this? A relatively large, tropical fruit (ripe papaya can weigh from 1 pound to over 5 pounds each). The fruit is ripe when it feels soft and the skin has turned from green to an amber yellow-orange. The flesh of the fruit is juicy… Continue reading Papaya

Longan (Dried)

Ingredient Name: Longan (Dried) Traditional Chinese Name: 龍眼; (lóngyǎn) What is this? A small, round fruit found in Southern China and Southeast Asia The longan (“dragon eyes”) is so named because the fruit resemblesan eyeball when it is shelled (the black seed shows through the translucent flesh like pupil).  The seed is small, round and… Continue reading Longan (Dried)

Chicken and Dried Longan Soup

Soup Name: Chicken and Dried Longan Soup Traditional Chinese Name: 雞湯 (jitāng) Introduction: This recipe results in a sweet, clear soup that is delicious and great to drink during the winter (cooler) season due to the heatiness of the longan. What Ingredients are required? 1 whole fresh chicken 20 pieces of dried longan 1 tablespoon… Continue reading Chicken and Dried Longan Soup

Pork Bones with Bok Choy and Tofu Soup

Soup Name:  Pork Bones with Dried Bok Choy Soup   Traditional Chinese Name: 菜乾湯 (tāng)   Introduction:   The dried bok choy is a very popular ingredient to use in soups.    What Ingredients are required? 5-6 pieces of fresh pork bones 1 tablespoon of  apricot kernals 3 large dried dates 1-2 bunches of dried bok choy… Continue reading Pork Bones with Bok Choy and Tofu Soup

Pork Bone with Watercress Soup

Soup Name:  Pork bone with Watercress Soup   Traditional Chinese Name: 西洋菜湯 (xī yáng cài tāng)   Introduction: This is a popular soup made in restaurants and in Chinese homes.  In fact, you can find watercress soups in a variety of cultures because the watercress is such a versitile and popular vegetable.  The soup in combination with… Continue reading Pork Bone with Watercress Soup

Abalone

Ingredient Name: Abalone Traditional Chinese Name: 鮑魚(Bào yú) Honestly speaking, abalone itself has no flavour.  It is the flavour of the soup or sauce that makes abalone tasty and it is the rarity that makes it so expensive (similar to Shark’s Fin).  I’ve found that using large snails is a great economical and environmental substitute… Continue reading Abalone

Longan

Ingredient Name:  Longan (fresh)   Traditional Chinese Name:   龍眼; (lóngyǎn)   What is this? A small, round fruit found in Southern China and Southeast Asia The longan (“dragon eyes”) is so named because the fruit resembles an eyeball when it is shelled (the black seed shows through the translucent flesh like pupil). The seed is… Continue reading Longan