Basic Chinese Chicken Soup Stock (Soup Base)

Ingredient Name: Lucid Asparagus Root, Asparagus Root, Radix Asparagi, Cochinchinese Asparagus Root

Traditional Chinese Name: 天門冬, 天冬 (Tiānmén dōng, Tiān dōng)

What is this?

• The roots of wild asparagus that are collected in usually in Northern China or Korea
• The roots are washed and dried, but remain moist and “supple-looking” (as pictured above)
• When dried, it is a yellowish in colour and chewy
• The asparagus root grows from 1-3 cm in length and can be found either in a round shape or flat, long shape (as it’s been sliced)
• Traditional Chinese herb that taste slightly sweet and bitter at the same time

How do I prepare it?

• Rinse in warm water and use in soups

Where can I buy this?

Available in Chinese herb stores
Not commonly available in supermarkets or wet marts
This is a hard to find herb

What is the cost?

• 10 pieces cost roughly $10 HKD

Any benefits?

Considered an important lung tonic
It helps moisten and purify the lungs
Extremely beneficial to those who are exposed to smoke, smog or pollution
Improves respiratory functions

Any precautions?

• It is considered a cooling ingredient and should be taken with precaution and moderation in early pregnancies