Basic Chinese Chicken Soup Stock (Soup Base)

Ingredient Name:  Chrysanthemums, Mums, Chrysanths

Traditional Chinese Name: 菊花 (jú huā)

What is this?

• A perennial flower plant that has many variations (different colours such as white, pinks, yellows) in various shapes and sizes
• First cultivated in China for herbal properties
• Used in teas, drinks, desserts and various other Chinese dishes
• Often purchased dried for consumption
• Has a very distinct taste and scent

How do I prepare it?

• Rinse in warm water but don’t soak as this will start bringing out the flavours of the flower
• Add immediately to boiling water or hot water for teas

Where can I buy this?

This is available in most Asian supermarkets as prepackages
Also available in Chinese herbals stores
You can purchase Chrysanthemum tea bags in Western Supermarkets

What is the cost

• 1 medium-sized bag cost $6 HKD
• Extremely affordable

Any benefits?

• Said to be a cooling food
• Can help reduce acne (cool the skin and body)
• Aids in digestion and is often taken with meals
• Also said to be be helpful in curing blood pressure, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, heart colic and arteriosclerosis

Any precautions?

• Not be consumed by women who are pregnant – especially in first trimester as it’s a cooling food

References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysanthemum