Qian Shi (Euryale Seed) (Spherical, white on one end and brownish-red on the other, with a reticulated pattern, hard texture, uneven fracture surface, pure white color, and starchy)

Qian Shi (Euryale Seed) with shell

Small Qian Shi (Euryale Seed) with shell

Qian Shi (Euryale Seed) (The 4 pieces at the bottom left are chemically bleached and have a pungent smell, the 5 pieces on the right have shells)

【Naming】

Qian Shi (Euryale Seed)

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Classic of Materia Medica, Upper Class

 【Common Usage Degree】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried seed kernel of *Euryale ferox* Salisb. (Gorgon Plant), after removing the hard seed coat.

 【Characteristics】

It is spherical or hemispherical, about 5-8mm in diameter. One end is white, accounting for about 1/3 of the total, with a round depression. The other end is brownish-red, accounting for about 2/3 of the total. The endosperm is farinaceous, with a smooth surface and reticulated pattern. The texture is hard and brittle. After breaking, the fracture surface is uneven, the color is pure white, and it is starchy. It is odorless and has a bland taste.

 【Processing】

1. Raw Qian Shi (Euryale Seed) 2. Stir-fried Qian Shi (Euryale Seed)

 【Identification】

The best quality has plump and uniform grains, sufficient starchiness, and no broken pieces or shells.

 【Category】

Seeds