Dried Chinese Yam Slices Shan Yao 500g Herb for Soup and Tea

Dried Chinese Yam Slices, known in TCM as Shan Yao (山药), from Dioscorea opposita. These round dried slices are a classic Chinese herbal food ingredient, traditionally valued as a gentle tonic that enters the spleen, lung, and kidney channels. In TCM theory, Shan Yao is considered neutral in nature and sweet in flavor. Commonly simmered in soups, congee, and herbal decoctions as part of a balanced diet.

Key Selling Points

• Classic TCM herb known as Shan Yao (山药) with a long history in Chinese food therapy
• Botanical source is Dioscorea opposita, a traditional Chinese yam species
• Cut into round dried slices for convenient measuring and even cooking
• Neutral nature and sweet flavor make it suitable for daily family cooking
• Versatile ingredient for soups, congee, herbal teas, and decoction blends

Quality & Sensory

Typically pale white to light ivory in color with a firm, dry, starchy texture. The slices carry a mild, faintly earthy aroma, and when simmered they turn soft and tender with a gentle, subtly sweet, slightly starchy taste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmer in soups with pork, chicken, or ribs for a nourishing family dish
• Add to rice congee for a mild, starchy traditional breakfast
• Include in herbal decoction blends with lotus seed or poria
• Steep or simmer slices as a light herbal tea

Traditional Uses

In TCM practice, Shan Yao is traditionally used to support the spleen, lung, and kidney systems and is a common ingredient in food therapy. It is frequently paired with goji berries, lotus seeds, poria, and lily bulb in nourishing soups and congee, especially during autumn and winter. Dried slices are also added to gentle decoctions and seasonal tonic recipes in Chinese households.

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