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Shan Yao, which you'll probably know as Chinese Yam, is a gentle, slightly sweet tuber that's a true staple in kitchens and wellness traditions all over East Asia. Its mild flavour and lovely texture mean it's absolutely perfect for popping into soups, stews, porridges, or herbal blends without taking over all the other ingredients.
This 100g pack is a great place to start if you fancy giving it a try. Whether you're adding it to a simple broth, stirring it into your morning congee, or using it in a restorative herbal tea, it’s a really versatile ingredient to have in the cupboard.
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Digestive comfort — its subtle sweetness and starchy texture bring a soothing quality to dishes
Supports spleen & lung energy, traditionally; thought to help fortify the body’s spleen and lung systems—the very roots of vitality
Gentle sustenance — in traditional terms, it helps anchor and steady your inner rhythm
Versatile culinary use — easy to soak and add to both savoury and sweet recipes
We recommend around 10g per portion. Here are some suggestions on how to use Dried Chinese Yam:
Soups and stews: Dried Chinese Yam can be added to soups and stews to enhance their flavour and nutritional content. It adds a mild sweetness and a starchy texture to the dish. It is often used in traditional Chinese herbal soups or combined with other ingredients like meat, vegetables, and herbs.
Stir-fries: Dried Chinese Yam can be stir-fried along with other vegetables and proteins. Its slightly sweet and starchy taste complements well with other ingredients. It can be sliced or diced and added to stir-fries for added texture and nutritional value.
Congee or porridge: Shan Yao can be used in congee or porridge preparations. It adds a creamy and thick texture to the congee and imparts a subtle sweetness. It can be cooked along with rice or other grains to create a potentially comforting and nourishing breakfast or meal.
Desserts: Dried Chinese Yam can be used in desserts, especially in traditional Chinese cuisine. It is often steamed or boiled, mashed, and sweetened to make yam paste or yam balls. These can be used as fillings in various pastries, cakes, or sweet dumplings.
Herbal teas and infusions: Dried Chinese Yam can be used to prepare herbal teas or infusions. It is often combined with other herbs to create a tonic beverage. The dried yam can be simmered in water to extract its essence, resulting in a potentially soothing and nourishing drink.
When using dried Chinese Yam in cooking, it's important to rehydrate it first by soaking it in water until it becomes soft and pliable. It can then be used in various recipes according to your preferences and culinary creativity. It is also advisable to follow proper recipes or consult with knowledgeable sources to ensure safe and appropriate use of dried Chinese Yam.
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.
Our herbs are sourced from genuine DaoDi-grown Chinese plants, cultivated in pristine environments that guarantee purity, potency, and sustainability. Through our trusted partnerships since 2010, we carefully select herbs from the best growing regions and harvest them at the optimal time to ensure maximum efficacy.
With state-of-the-art processing techniques, we maintain the full integrity of each ingredient, offering you the finest herbal supplements available.
What does Chinese yam taste like?It’s mild—lightly sweet with a faint starchy quality. Its subtlety makes it perfect for pairing with other flavours rather than standing on its own.
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.
Can it help maintain natural energy levels?Traditionally, Chinese Yam has been used in meals intended to potentially sustain vitality and support long-term well-being.
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