Tsaoko Fruit Cao Guo 草果 Dried Whole Pods 500g Aromatic Spice for Braising Stews and Marinades

Tsaoko Fruit, known in TCM as Cao Guo (草果), is the dried fruit of Amomum tsaoko, a warming aromatic spice widely used in Chinese herbal cooking. Traditionally associated with the spleen and stomach channels, it is valued for its pungent flavor and warming nature. This bulk pack contains dried whole fruits, ideal for braising, stewing, and spice blends. It is a food-grade agricultural product and is not intended to replace medicine.

Key Selling Points

• Dried whole Tsaoko Fruit supplied in a 500g bulk bag
• Botanical source Amomum tsaoko with Chinese name Cao Guo 草果
• Warming pungent spice traditionally used in TCM dietary practice
• Dried and processed for convenient culinary use
• Popular in braised dishes, stews, and five-spice style blends

Quality & Sensory

Whole dried fruits typically show a reddish-brown, ridged outer shell with a firm texture. The aroma is typically warm, camphor-like, and slightly smoky, releasing a pungent, spicy character when cracked and simmered in braises or broths.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Add whole pods to braised meats and stews
• Simmer in broths and hotpot spice bases
• Crack and toast for marinades and rubs
• Include in traditional spice blends for slow cooking

Traditional Uses

In TCM dietary tradition, Cao Guo is traditionally used to remove the gamey odor of meats and enrich the flavor of long-simmered dishes. It is a classic component of braising master stocks, Lu Wei spice packets, and hotpot bases, often paired with star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaf. In herbal practice it is traditionally associated with warming the middle and supporting digestion.

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