【Naming】

Tsaoko Fructus

 【Source】

Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians, Dou Kou

 【Frequency of Use】

D

 【Botanical Origin】

Dried, ripe seed clusters of Tsaoko Fructus Alpina katsumadai Hay., family Zingiberaceae.

 【Description】

Spherical or elliptical, 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter. Surface is grayish-white or grayish-brown. In the center, there are white septa dividing it into 3 lobes, each lobe containing many tightly adhering seeds. Seeds are oval-polygonal, 3-5 mm long and about 3 mm in diameter. Surface is grayish-brown, covered with a layer of white, transparent aril. The hilum is approximately in the center. The raphe is a longitudinal groove, extending from the ventral side to the hilum. The inside is grayish-white after breaking open. The odor is aromatic, and the taste is pungent.

 【Identification】

《Differentiation Between Good and Bad》: “The ones with light color and luster, and large size, are preferred.” 《Differentiation Between Good and Bad》: “The ones with a strong aroma and pungent taste are superior.”
Round shape, solid seed clusters, brown color, small, plump, and intact seeds are preferred.

 【Category】

Fruits