Tianma

Gastrodia elata

root

The tuber of a leafless orchid, sliced and simmered with chicken in Yunnan soups.

Origin

China (Yunnan)

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The dried slices are soaked for an hour, then simmered for an hour or more in the soup; they are eaten with it.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Insoluble fibers

Did you know?

Without chlorophyll, it feeds on a fungus, honey fungus, that lives in its roots.