Zhishi (Hemispherical, black-green-brown, with granular protrusions showing wrinkles, oil spots, sliced peel slightly raised, yellow-white peel thick, brown pulp fleshy and firm)

Zhishi slices (Round slices, purplish-black small pulp)

Bran-fried Zhishi

【Naming】

Zhishi

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Middle Grade

 【Common Usage Level】

B

 【Botanical Origin】

Dried young fruit of Citrus aurantium L. (Sour Orange), C. sinensis Osbeck (Sweet Orange), C. wilsonii Tanaka, or Poncirus trifoliata Raf. (Trifoliate Orange) of the Rutaceae family.

 【Characteristics】

See market product description below for whole fruit. Slices: In the form of semi-circular or complete round slices, about 1.5mm thick, appearing yellowish-white or yellowish-brown, outer skin grayish-green with granular protrusions, cut surface edge with oil spots, center with purplish-black small pulp. Firm in texture, clear and fragrant in aroma, bitter and slightly sour in taste. Bran-fried Zhishi: Shape similar to raw Zhishi slices, surface deep yellow with fire color, showing scorched bran powder, with scorched bran fragrance.

 【Processing】

1. Raw Zhishi 2. Stir-fried Zhishi

 【Identification】

“The aged ones are superior,” according to *Annotations to the Classic of Materia Medica*. “Similar to Chen Pi (aged citrus peel), the aged ones are superior,” according to *Newly Revised Materia Medica*. “Generally, Langdu, Zhishi, Citrus Peel, Banxia, Mahuang, and Wuzhuyu are best when aged for a long time. All others should be fresh and new,” according to *Medical Secrets of an Official*. “Those from Shang Prefecture are the best,” according to *Illustrated Materia Medica*. “All those with a belly turned up like the lip of a basin, and aged for a long time are superior,” according to *Classified Materia Medica*. “Those with a cut surface resembling light adzuki bean color and having a shell-like luster are superior,” according to *Discrimination of Good and Bad*. It is best when the peel is green-black, the flesh is thick and white, the sacs are small, and the body is firm and solid. The main difference between Zhishi and Zhi Ke is that Zhishi is small, with thick flesh and small sacs, while Zhi Ke is large, with thin flesh and large sacs.

 【Identification Terminology】

1. Sliced Zhishi: Refers to Zhishi medicinal material products that have been cut into two halves.
2. Goose-eye Zhishi: Refers to Zhishi medicinal material products that are spherical and small, shaped like a goose eye. The smallest Sichuan variety is also called Gun-pellet Zhishi.

 【Category】

Fruits