Euryale Ferox (or Fox Nuts)

by | Dec 31, 2008 | Ingredients | 4 comments

Ingredient Name:

Euryale Ferox, Fox Nuts, Fox Nut Seeds, Foxnuts, Makhana, or Gorgon Plant

Traditional Chinese Name:

芡實 (qiàn shí )

Nature: Neutral

Taste: Sweet, slightly sour

 

Here’s how to build your “Basic Chinese Soup Pantry

These white starchy seeds are produced from a flowering plant in the water lily family.  The plant grows in water, with large, round leaves and purple flowers. Each flower pod contains around 8-12 seeds and grow in either hot, dry weather or cold winters.  Euryale seeds are dry and powdery, round seeds, usually cut in half and chalky white on the inside, with a brown outer covering.  The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked, but usually cooked in either desserts, soups, or stews in Chinese cooking. 

When cooked, these seeds puff up and absorb the flavours of the soup or dish.  You’ll common find them in herbal soups, but also complimentary with barley, beans, peanuts, cashews, or apricot kernals.  I like their crunchy and textured feel when you have them with soup! 

How do I prepare it?

      • You should wash and soak the seeds prior to usage (this is because sulphur is used to process the seeds)
      • Since the seeds are relatively hard, some will soak it overnight, but you don’t need to because they will soften if boiled long enough
      • The great thing about these seeds is that they don’t really disintegrate, so can withstand intense heat and duration of boil

Where can I buy it and cost?

      • You can purchase these from most Asian supermarkets prepackaged 
      • This is also available by bulk from Chinese herbal shops
      • You can also purchase this in bulk from specialty stores (online herbal shops)
      • Be sure that you’re buying from a reputable source!
      • They vary in prices, but average $5 USD for 50g (varies by Region, location, organic or not, etc…), not too expensive

Any benefits?

      • This neutral ingredient can be used in soups, stews, or desserts in Chinese cuisine
      • It tonifies the spleen and strengthens the kidneys
      • This is a key ingredient in dispelling dampness and is a great diuretic, often used in combination with barley or apricot kernals for Spring soups 

Any precautions?

      • Be sure you are buying these from a reputable source

      • Also be sure to soak or rinse them in cool water first due to the sulphur residue from how they are processed

Looking to build your basic Chinese Soup Pantry?

Check it out in my video to learn more!

 

EXPLORE MORE

6 Practical Applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Every Day Life

6 PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE IN EVERY DAY LIFE(A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE)Practicing and living in Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts isn't hard!  It's actually all about what you consume, when you consume it, your...

Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese herbal pork broth

Soup Name: Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese Herbal Pork Broth Traditional Chinese Name: 紅青蘿蔔湯 (hóng qing luóbo tang) Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and savory For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.My parents came home last night from a cruise...

Hot and slightly spicy Korean Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (soup)

Soup Name: Korean  Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (Soup) Nature:  Cool (although could be warmer depending on how spicy you make it, but this is driven by the cooling white radish and tofu) Taste:  Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.I know there's a...

How food flavours affect your health from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective

HOW FOOD FLAVOURS AFFECT YOUR HEALTH(A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE)There is a Chinese Medicine phrase that states "Food and Medicine come from the same source".   If you think about it, it totally does!  All of the ingredients found within Traditional...

Papaya and Snow Fungus in a Pork Herbal Soup

Tea Name: Papaya and Snow Fungus in a Pork Herbal Soup Chinese Name:  木瓜雪耳豬骨湯 (mù gua xuě ěr zhū gǔ tāng) Nature:  Warm and ideal for moisturizing the body and lungs, supporting digestion and soothing the stomach. Taste:  Sweet For more videos, you can follow us on...

Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese herbal pork broth

Soup Name: Green radish with carrots & corn in a Chinese Herbal Pork Broth Traditional Chinese Name: 紅青蘿蔔湯 (hóng qing luóbo tang) Nature:  Cooling Taste: Sweet and savory For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.My parents came home last night from a cruise...

Hot and slightly spicy Korean Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (soup)

Soup Name: Korean  Kimchi and Tofu Jjigae (Soup) Nature:  Cool (although could be warmer depending on how spicy you make it, but this is driven by the cooling white radish and tofu) Taste:  Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.I know there's a...

Chinese-Styled Cream of Corn Egg Drop Soup

Tea Name: Chinese-Styled Cream of Corn and Egg Drop Soup Chinese Name:  玉米湯 (yù mǐ tāng)   Nature:  Warm Taste:  Sweet, Salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.There are as many versions of a Chinese-styled corn and egg drop soup as there are likely ABC...

Oh how I love thee, my salted orange! Let me count the ways…

Tea Name: The Salted Orange Traditional Chinese Name: 鹽蒸橙子 (yán zhēng chéngzi) Nature:  warm Taste:  sweet, salty For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.What?  Salted oranges? Let's start by saying that if you see a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor (and even...

Healing Chinese Herbal Soup

Soup Name: Healing Chinese Herbal Soup Traditional Chinese Name: 北芪黨參消腫養陰湯 (běi qí dǎngshēn xiāo zhǒng yǎng yīn tāng) For more videos, you can follow us on YouTube.This soup is perfect for anyone who wants to replenish and strengthen blood and qi, has poor...