Jiaogulan is also called Southern Ginseng
Jiaogulan is a herb native to the mountainous areas of southern China, Japan and South East Asia. This tasty tea is made from the stems and leaves of this vine.
Jiaogulan contains substances called gypenosides. These are similar to the active compounds in ginseng, but jiaogulan contains over 4 times as many. It’s contains 82 compounds, some of which are directly related to the ginsenosides found in ginseng root.
About the Purchase
Bought 500 grams or 17.5 ounces from Goartea in March 2016. Did not realize how much tea this would be. The next time I buy this I’ll look for a smaller amount.
I am very surprised how fresh and green this smell right out of the package.
Taste Test
- Heated the water to 180f and rinsed 3 teaspoons of Jiaogulan for 12 seconds and threw out the rinse.
- The 1st 3 brews used water at 180f for 12 seconds. The taste is very light and delicate with hints of ginseng.
Brewing Jiaogulan
Goartea recommends a lower temperature, about 165f for a full minute for the first 2 brews and increasing the time after that. I’ll try this next time.