Ingredient Name: Lily Bulbs also known as lilium
Traditional Chinese Name: 百合 (Bai He)
What is this?
  • The bulbous root of the lily plant which grows submerged in some depth in the soil
  • It is an edible, starch-like bulb that is sweet to taste, although some species can be quite bitter
  • Lily bulbs are most commonly cultivated and sold in the Chinese culture and used as a luxury or health food
  • Lily bulbs are said to be cool and relieve heatiness
  • Lily bulbs can be found in sweet soups, savory soups, and various Asian dishes
  • If used in soups, it will thicken the soup is boiled too long since the bulb flakes will disintegrate and “melt” into the soup

How do I prepare it?

  • Dried lily bulb flakes will need to be rinsed in warm water and can be directly used to soups
  • Fresh lily bulbs need to be thoroughly washed as the bulbs contain a fair amount of dirt
  • Ideally, remove each bulb leave and scrub under running warm water

Where can I buy this?

  • You can purchase this in most Asian supermarkets dried or frozen
  • At the wet mart, you can purchase this fresh from the vegetable vendors
  • Chinese pharmacies will also carry this dried

What is the cost?

  • A package of 3 fresh lily bulbs from the wet mart costs around $5-8 HKD/pack

Any benefits?

  • Lily bulbs are said to help nourish the lungs and relieve coughs
  • They are high in protein, starch and plenty of vitamins
  • Lily bulbs help reduce internal heat and is often consumed in the summer months

Any precautions?

  • Although lily bulbs are defined as “cool” and not “cold”, it is a precaution to consume too much if you are concerned with relieving too much heatiness (ie: for pregnant women under 3 months in term or if you are menstruating)

Additional Information?

  • Frozen lily bulbs are good to keep for up to 1 months in the freezer
  • Dried lily bulb flakes can kept in the fridge for up to 6 months

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