Ginseng Fruit or Sapodilla

Ingredient Name: Ginseng Fruit, Sapodilla, or Manilkara zapot

Traditional Chinese Name: (rnshn gu)

What is this?

  • The fruit of the sapodilla tree (which is an evergreen) grown in warm climates
  • The fruit itself has a very sweet and malty taste
  • The name ginseng fruit comes from the Chinese name (where is the Chinese word for ginseng)
  • It is a heart shaped fruit that is about the size of a large plum (about 2-3 inches in diameter)
  • Ginseng fruit reminds me of white tomatoes! (The texture is more firm though.)
  • It is classified as a warming ingredient

Howdo Iprepare it?

  • Rinse in warm water
  • Cut into halves

Where can I buy this?

  • Asian supermarkets may carry this (although it depends on season)
  • Wet marts may also carry this (although I have never seen it or maybe just havent asked for it yet)

What is the cost

  • Ginseng fruit is very affordable
  • Each costs around $2-3 HKD per fruit

Any benefits?

  • It is naturally sweet and adds a unique (ginseng-like) flavor to the soup without using real ginseng (which is more expensive)
  • Rich in essential trace elements (iron and zinc)
  • Excellent source of Vitamin C, B1, B2
  • Ginseng fruit is high in protein
  • The fruit is also low in fat
  • It is said to be anti-cancer, anti-aging, helps lower blood pressure and reduce blood sugar

Any precautions?

  • It is considered a cooling ingredient and should be avoided in early pregnancies, breastfeeding mothers and during menstruation

Additional Information

  • Use fresh Chinese p! arsley w ithin 3-4 days of purchase and keep in the fridge



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