Basil Seeds Lan Xiang Zi 明列子 Natural Dried Seeds for Drinks and Desserts 200g Bulk Pack

Basil Seeds, known in TCM as Lan Xiang Zi (兰香子) and also called Ming Lie Zi or Nan Mei Zi, are the dried seeds of Ocimum basilicum. These small oval seeds swell into a gelatinous coating when soaked in water and are traditionally valued in Chinese herbal practice as a cooling, moistening food ingredient. Sold as loose dried seeds for culinary and beverage use, they are not a medicine and should not replace professional care.

Key Selling Points

• Dried basil seeds identified in TCM as Lan Xiang Zi (兰香子)
• Botanical source is Ocimum basilicum, a well-known culinary and traditional herb
• Seeds develop a soft gel-like coating when soaked in water
• Naturally sun-dried and sold loose for flexible portioning
• Commonly added to drinks, desserts, and herbal preparations

Quality & Sensory

Typically small, oval, black to dark brown seeds with a smooth, glossy surface and a mild, neutral aroma. When soaked, they typically form a clear gelatinous layer around each seed with a light, slightly crunchy texture and little to no flavor of their own.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Soak in water or juice and add to cold beverages
• Mix into desserts, puddings, and fruit bowls
• Add to herbal teas and traditional cooling drinks
• Use in home culinary recipes calling for soaked basil seeds

Traditional Uses

In traditional Chinese practice, Lan Xiang Zi has long been used as a food-grade herbal ingredient, typically soaked until the seeds swell and then taken with water, honey water, or fruit juices. It is traditionally associated with cooling and moistening qualities and is often enjoyed in warm weather as a refreshing addition to beverages and sweet soups. It is also a familiar ingredient in Southeast Asian drinks and desserts.

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