• The white hyacinth bean is the dried ripe seed of the Dolichos Lablab L plant.
• It ripens during the autumn and winter months when it is collected and dried for medicinal use
• When eaten, it tastes slightly sweet

How do I prepare it?

• Wash thoroughly and put directly into your soup.
• For softer beans (in a quick soup), you may soak the beans in room temperature water for a couple hours prior to using them in your soup

Where can I buy this?

• It is available in most Asian herb shops and some Asian supermarkets.

What is the cost?

• This ingredient is relatively inexpensive and costs less than $1 CAD for a handful of dried beans.

Any benefits?

The white hyacinth bean is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to invigorate the spleen and remove damp.
It is especially beneficial during the summer months to alleviate “summer damp”.

Any precautions?

• Consuming white hyacinth beans in excess may result in loss of appetite and diarrhea.   Eating too much of this ingredient may also be unhealthy for your spleen.   Eat in moderation.

References?

• http://www.nicechinesefood.com/chinese-dietetic-therapy/nourishing-drugs/semen-lablab-album-white-hyacinth-bean.html