Origin
Codonopsis is a climbing vine in the bellflower family. Its Chinese name comes from Shangdang (上黨), the old name for the Changzhi area of Shanxi, where it was first known. It is not a true ginseng, although it is sometimes nicknamed “poor man’s ginseng”.
Today most codonopsis is grown in Gansu (including Wen County, Min County and Weiyuan) and Shanxi, with smaller crops in Sichuan and Hubei. Roots are dug in autumn after two to three years. Good roots are long, wrinkled and light brown, with a knobbly ringed top.
Traditional use
Codonopsis is an affordable everyday soup herb. It softens in the pot and gives a gentle sweetness, and it is often paired with astragalus, red dates, chicken or pork.
In Chinese food tradition it is classed as neutral, so it is used all year round.
Safety
- Limited research: there is little modern safety research on codonopsis. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner first.
- Medicines: laboratory studies suggest codonopsis might affect blood clotting and blood sugar. If you take blood thinners or diabetes medicine, check with your doctor.
- Sulphur: some roots are fumigated with sulphur to keep them pale and pest-free. Rinse and soak them for 10 minutes before use, and avoid roots that smell sour.
How to cook
- Use 15–20 g (3–5 roots) for a 2–3 litre pot. Cut long roots into 5 cm pieces.
- Rinse and soak for 10 minutes.
- Add at the start of cooking and simmer 1½–2 hours.
- The softened root is edible and sweet. For a simple tea, simmer 2–3 roots with red dates for 20 minutes.
How to choose and store
Choose roots that are soft, slightly sticky, sweet-smelling and chewy when bent, with a ringed “lion’s head” top. Avoid very pale, brittle or sour-smelling roots. Store airtight; refrigerate in humid weather.
This page describes culinary and cultural tradition. It is not medical advice. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, check with your doctor or a registered Chinese medicine practitioner before using herbal ingredients.
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