Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) (Flat, long oval shape with a pointed tip, reddish-brown, enlarged in the middle and rounded at the base, with numerous longitudinal wrinkled veins radiating from the bottom, thin seed coat, two cotyledons, milky white kernel, bitter oil)

Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) – Peeled

Stir-fried Tao Ren (Peach Kernel)

Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) (Top), Rui Ren (Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa seed) (Bottom Left), Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) (Bottom Right)

【Naming】

Tao Ren (Peach Kernel)

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Lower Grade

 【Common Usage Level】

B

 【Botanical Origin】

It is the dried ripe seed of the Rosaceae plant, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. or Prunus davidiana Franch.

 【Characteristics】

It is flat and long-oval in shape, 1-1.6 cm long and 0.8-1 cm wide, with a reddish-brown or yellowish-brown surface and longitudinal wrinkles. It is pointed at the tip, enlarged in the middle, and blunt and rounded at the base, with numerous veins radiating from the bottom, appearing as granular protrusions. The hilum is located on the upper edge, deep brown, and slightly protruding in a ridge-like shape. The seed coat is thin and brittle; the kernel is milky white, rich in oil, and there is a gap between the two cotyledons. It has a faint odor, smells of peach, and tastes slightly bitter. Wild peach kernels are similar to the above, but smaller and thicker.

 【Identification】

Mingyi Bielu: “This comes from peach trees that do not lose their leaves in winter, harvested in the first month, and those with solid centers are good.” Bencao Jing Jizhu: “It is best to take kernels from seeded peaches.” Xinxiu Bencao: “Now they are everywhere, those from Jingkou are also good, and it is best to take kernels from seeded peaches.” Waitai Miyao: “Peach kernels must be hairy peach kernels. Others are not as effective. Use five to seven peach kernels. Those with a sweet taste are good.” Bencao Tujing: “The finer the better,” “This kind of medicine should not be used, it is best to use fresh ones.” Bencao Gangmu: “For medicinal use, take kernels from seeded peaches.” “For medicinal use, it is best to use fresh ones.” Bencao Qiu Zhen: “Those from Jianchang are good.” Liang Lie Jianbie: “Those that are plump and large, with pointed white kernels, are top grade.”
Good quality is indicated by reddish-brown color, uniform granules, plumpness, substantial content, intactness without mold, and no insect damage. Inferior quality is indicated by blackening or yellowing due to poor storage, or kernels that are not substantial due to premature harvesting, or the presence of impurities.
The difference between Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), sweet and bitter Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel): 1. Tao Ren (Peach Kernel): Long oval shape, both ends are similar in size, the surface has ridges, and the taste is bitter. 2. Sweet Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel): Heart-shaped, large and flat, red skin, slightly sweet taste. 3. Bitter Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel): Heart-shaped, smaller than sweet Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), plump, the bottom is somewhat skewed, not as wide and flat as sweet Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), and the taste is bitter.

 【Category】

Seeds