Bitter Apricot Kernels (Prunus armeniaca) — Dried Peeled Nan Xing for TCM & Culinary Use

Bitter Apricot Kernels (Prunus armeniaca) are the dried, peeled seeds of the apricot tree, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Kǔ Xìng Rén (苦杏仁) or Nan Xing (南杏仁). For centuries, this food-herb seed has been prized as a lung-soothing, qi-directing botanical used in decoctions, congee, and medicinal food soups. Its nature is bitter, slightly warm, and mildly toxic in raw form, making it a herb that is traditionally processed and used in modest culinary amounts for soothing the Lung and directing qi downward.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional Lung-soothing food herb
• Dried, peeled bitter apricot kernels
• Prunus armeniaca (Nan Xing)
• Suitable for decoction, congee, and soup
• Naturally sun-dried, 500g pack

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is naturally sun-dried and peeled to preserve its pale ivory to light cream color, smooth surface, and faint nutty aroma. The kernels are plump and uniform, with a firm, crisp texture. When decocted or simmered, they soften and release a mild, subtly bitter, nut-like flavor that mellows in soups and congee without overpowering other ingredients.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Traditional herbal decoctions
• Medicinal food soups and broths
• Congee and grain porridge
• Herbal tea blends in small amounts
• Culinary use in traditional recipes

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, bitter apricot kernels are decocted into soups, congee, and medicinal food formulas to soothe the Lung and direct qi downward. They are a classic ingredient in traditional pear and apricot kernel soups, often paired with pear, fritillary bulb, and rock sugar for seasonal nourishment. In daily cooking, they are simmered in small amounts in broths and grain porridges, or brewed in gentle herbal tea blends during dry seasons.

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