Dried Gardenia Fruit Zhi Zi 500g Whole Pods for Tea and Culinary Coloring

Dried Gardenia Fruit, known in TCM as Zhi Zi (栀子), from Gardenia jasminoides. These whole dried fruits are a classic Chinese herbal botanical, traditionally valued for their bitter cold nature and association with clearing heat in TCM theory. Commonly simmered as a tea or used in the kitchen to lend a golden yellow color to braised dishes and broths. A versatile pantry staple for traditional herbal and culinary use.

Key Selling Points

• Whole dried Gardenia jasminoides fruits supplied as a food-grade raw botanical
• Known in TCM as Zhi Zi with a traditional bitter and cold profile
• Traditionally used to impart a natural golden yellow color to braised meats and broths
• Suitable for herbal tea, decoctions, and culinary seasoning applications
• Sealed 500g bag with 18-month shelf life for convenient storage

Quality & Sensory

Typically deep reddish-orange to yellowish-brown whole fruits with a hard, wrinkled surface and a faint herbal aroma. When simmered, they typically release a golden yellow infusion with a mildly bitter, slightly astringent taste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmer as a standalone herbal tea or blend with other botanicals
• Add to braised pork, chicken, or beef for natural golden coloring
• Include in soup and decoction preparations
• Use in traditional herbal formulas prepared at home

Traditional Uses

In TCM theory, Zhi Zi is traditionally associated with clearing heat and calming irritability, and it enters the heart, lung, and triple burner channels. Traditionally it is simmered in decoctions, often paired with herbs such as Dan Dou Chi in classic formulas. In folk and culinary practice, the fruits are widely used to color braised dishes, brines, and festive rice, especially in southern Chinese cooking.

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