Gorgon fruit

Zhao Shi

Zhao Shi is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　In towns and streets across Guangdong, "Zhao Shi" can be found for sale in almost every grocery store. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners often use it in prescriptions, and overseas Chinese as well as compatriots from Hong Kong and Macau, when returning home for family visits or travel, will in nine out of ten cases seek to buy some to take back with them. Why is "Zhao Shi" so favored? This is inseparable from its uses. Zhao Shi is the fruit of the Euryale ferox plant, used in soups or as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It has the effects of clearing heat and removing dampness, nourishing yin and kidney, and strengthening the spleen. Zhao Shi is the finest variety among gorgon fruits.

　　The formal name of Zhao Shi is Euryale Seed, belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family. The Euryale seeds produced in Zhaoqing are large in size and strong in medicinal potency, hence called Zhao Shi. Zhao Shi is one of the traditional and premium specialties of Zhaoqing, a genuine local product deeply loved by people both at home and abroad. Zhao Shi has the effects of astringency, nourishment, and invigoration. It is commonly used in stewing meat, making soups, or in herbal medicine, capable of strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, nourishing yin and kidney, clearing heat and removing dampness—it is a rare tonic delicacy. Zhao Shi is a traditional premium local specialty of Zhaoqing City. It can be used in cooking methods such as braising, stewing, and simmering, and can be made into dishes such as Zhao Shi melon cup, taro and Zhao Shi pot, and pan-fried Zhao Shi slices.