Dried Hawthorn Slices Shan Zha 干山楂 Raw Herb for Tea Soup and Culinary Use 500g

Dried Hawthorn Slices, known in TCM as Shan Zha (山楂), from Crataegus pinnatifida. These sun-dried fruit slices are a classic Chinese botanical, traditionally valued for their mildly warm nature and sour-sweet flavor. In TCM theory they are associated with the spleen, stomach, and liver channels. Commonly used in teas, decoctions, and cooking, they are a food-grade ingredient and not a substitute for medicine.

Key Selling Points

• New-crop dried hawthorn slices sold as edible agricultural produce
• Botanical source Crataegus pinnatifida fruit, known in TCM as Shan Zha
• Traditionally used in sour plum drink blends and herbal teas
• Sun-dried whole slices suitable for simmering, stewing, and hot pot seasoning
• Versatile kitchen ingredient for teas, soups, and sweet desserts

Quality & Sensory

The slices typically show a warm reddish-brown to amber color with a dry, firm yet slightly leathery texture. They carry a mild fruity-tart aroma, and when simmered or steeped they release a pleasantly sour, lightly sweet taste.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmer into traditional sour plum drink with other botanicals
• Steep alone or with other herbs as a daily fruit tea
• Add to stewed dishes and hot pot for a subtle fruity tartness
• Cook into congee, sweet soups, and desserts

Traditional Uses

In TCM practice, Shan Zha is traditionally used to support healthy digestion and is a familiar ingredient in household decoctions and teas. It is a standard component of suan mei tang, the classic Chinese sour plum drink, and is often paired with dried tangerine peel, malt, or medlar in seasonal simmered beverages. It is also added to stews and hot pot broths for flavor.

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