Luo Han Guo

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A fruit that grows on a vine plant common to southern China and northern Thailand
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It is often found dried and used for herbals teas or soups
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It is about the size of a baseball and has a very hard external shell when dried
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The fruit is a dark brown colour with its insides consisting of quadrants and seeds that are the same colour
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Often used for its sweetness and unique flavour
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It is very light and is similar weight to that of a ping pong (with an airy interior)
How do I prepare it?
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Clean the outer fruit with warm running water
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Halve or quarter the fruit – it’s very hard so it’s like you have to break it open
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Rinse the internal fruit with warm running water
Where can I buy this?
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Most wet marts in Hong Kong will sell them at the herbalists
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I have not seen this in supermarkets
What is the cost?
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One fruit costs $4 HKD (less than $1 CAD)
Any benefits?
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Extremely efficient in removing phlegm
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Used in conjunction with apricot kernals to relieve coughs and moisten the lungs
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Often used as a sugar substitute (ideal for diabetics to replace sugar)
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A thirst quencher
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The fruit contains anti-oxidants, which help in reducing aging of the skin and body and can help in preventing cancer
Any precautions?
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The fruit has a very particular taste, so it takes some time to get used to
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One whole fruit is quite potent, so if you’re uncertain about the flavours, I would suggest using half a fruit for a big pot of soup
References?
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[…] pound of fresh pork shank 1 dried luo han guo 1 tablespoon of apricot kernals 3 large dried dates 2 litres of water 1 teaspoon of salt (to […]
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[…] of a luo han guo 1 piece of dried tangerine peel 1 tablespoon of apricot kernals 20 g of rice beans 4 honey dates 1 […]
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can pregnant woman drink soup that contains luo han guo in it?
Linda, it’s OK to drink it during pregnancies, but probably after 3 months just to be safe. Take it in moderation as well. Lisa