Dried Chinese Yam (Shan Yao) | (100g bottle)

About

Dried Chinese Yam, also known as Shan Yao or Dioscorea opposita, has been used for centuries as part of a balanced and nourishing diet.

With its mild, slightly sweet flavour and starchy texture, it can be easily incorporated into soups, stews, and teas.

Carefully dried to preserve its natural qualities, Shan Yao is often chosen for its ability to complement overall well-being and support a sense of balance in daily life.

At Vita, we supply concentrated herbal granules for busy individuals who do not have the time to decoct Chinese herbs traditionally. For simple ways to incorporate herbs into your routine, explore our guide on 5 quick and easy ways to use dried Chinese yam.

Our concentrated granules are made by spray drying, so they dissolve quickly in hot water.

Potential Benefits

Traditional Use: Dried Chinese Yam is valued in Chinese herbal practice and is traditionally used in gentle, nourishing dishes.

Balance: In traditional classification Dried Chinese Yam is described as neutral, and it is associated with the spleen and stomach in Chinese herbal practice.

Nourishment: Dried Chinese Yam naturally contains starch and fibre, and is often enjoyed as part of congee and soups.

Daily Routine: Shan Yao is often enjoyed as part of a regular, balanced diet.

Seasonal Use: Dried Chinese Yam is commonly included in teas and soups during the colder months.

Using the Granules

This 100g bottle contains concentrated granules rather than the sliced root. Measure out your amount, add hot water, and stir until fully dissolved. There is no soaking or simmering.

If you want to add Shan Yao to soups, stews or porridge, you need the sliced dried root rather than the granules. Both sizes are listed below.

Other Formats of This Herb

Shan Yao is stocked in three forms:

• This 100g bottle is the concentrated granule, for dissolving in hot water
• Dried Chinese Yam (Shan Yao) | 100g the sliced dried root, for soups, stews and porridge
• Dried Chinese Yam (Shan Yao) | 500g the same sliced root in the bulk pack

Traditional Pairings

Shan Yao is one of a group of mild, starchy ingredients traditionally cooked together in congee and tonic soups. All are stocked here:

• Dried Lotus Seeds (Bai Lian Zi) | 100g the closest partner to Shan Yao in this group
• Dried Euryale Seeds (Qian Shi) | 100g almost always used alongside lotus seed and yam
• Dried Coix Seeds (Yi Yi Ren) | 100g the fourth ingredient in the classic combination
• Fu Ling Concentrated Granules | 100g bottle another granule in the same format

Browse the full range in our Botanical Extract Granules collection.

Why Choose Vita?

At Vita Herbal Nutrition, we focus on providing high-quality herbs that are carefully chosen to support your goals and enhance your recipes.

We are proud to offer a 100% sulphur-free range. Many others use sulphur to improve appearance and shelf life, but this process can alter the herb’s natural composition and may cause allergic reactions for some individuals. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.

We follow the DaoDi principle of choosing each herb from the area traditionally associated with it, and we have worked with the same supply partners since 2010.

FAQ

What is Dried Chinese Yam?
Dried Chinese Yam, or Shan Yao, is a traditional ingredient known for its mild flavour and long history of use in East Asian food and wellness practices.

How can I use it in my diet?
It can be simmered into soups, brewed as a tea, blended into porridge, or added to stews for a potentially nourishing addition to meals.

Is Chinese Yam known for any traditional benefits?
Yes, it has been valued in traditional practices for its potential ability to complement overall well-being and encourage balance in daily life.

Does it contain any key nutrients?
Shan Yao may be rich in fibre and plant compounds, making it a potentially supportive addition to a varied and balanced diet.

What is the difference between the granules and the sliced root?
The granules are a concentrated extract that dissolves in hot water. The sliced root is the whole herb, which you simmer yourself and can add to food.