Jiaogulan

Gynostemma pentaphyllum

infusion

Leaves of a vine in the cucumber family, dried into a mild, slightly bitter tea.

Origin

Southern China, Japan and Southeast Asia

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

One teaspoon of dried leaves per cup, five to ten minutes in barely simmering water; the infusion is strained and drunk.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Saponins

Did you know?

It is nicknamed “southern ginseng”: its saponins resemble those of ginseng.