Gai Zao Dried Fruit (Hovenia dulcis) — Sulfur-Free Food Herb for Tea & Soup

Gai Zao Dried Fruit (Hovenia dulcis) is the dried fruit of a traditional food herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Guǎi Zǎo (拐枣), also called Japanese Raisin Tree fruit or Jīn Gōu (金钩). For centuries, Gai Zao has been prized as a sweet, gently warming food herb used to support the Liver, ease the spirit, and harmonize the stomach. Its nature is sweet and neutral, making it a mild yet nourishing ingredient for daily teas, soups, and seasonal tonics.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional food herb (药食同源) fruit
• Sulfur-free, new-crop dried Gai Zao
• Hovenia dulcis, also called Jin Gou
• Suitable for tea, soup, and congee
• 500g value pack from a trusted source

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully dried to preserve its deep reddish-brown color, wrinkled texture, and naturally sweet aroma. When brewed or simmered, the fruit softens and releases a gentle, honeyed sweetness with a mild, raisin-like flavor, adding warmth and body to teas and broths without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Herbal tea blends
• Chinese-style soup and broth
• Congee and grain porridge
• Seasonal slow-cooking
• Daily wellness tonic

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Gai Zao is decocted into soups, teas, and gentle tonics to support daily nourishment and digestive comfort. It is a common ingredient in autumn and winter soup packs, where it pairs with ingredients like jujube, goji berry, and ginger. As a tea, it is brewed alone or blended with chrysanthemum and wolfberry for a light, naturally sweet infusion.

FAQ Q&A