Have you seen those yellowish, candy-like crystals that are extracted from a peach tree by a Chinese woman?
Often featured on rural living vlogs, where it is edible, but the rest of the world doesn’t know what it is called.
Those crystals are no other than the Peach Tree Resin, or known in Chinese as the Tao Jiao.
The Tao Jiao are considered a superfood consumed by the Chinese for over a thousand years.
Yet, nobody knows how vital it is to one’s health.
Let’s get to know how Tao Jiao achieved its superfood status and why the Chinese hold importance to this crystallized sap.
What is Tao Jiao?
Tao Jiao is a natural sap from the bark of the peach tree. The name itself means “Peach Gum” in the English translation.
Peach tree resin becomes amber in color when it dries up. However, it expands and becomes a gel-like structure when it is soaked in water.
Tao Jiao is used both in Chinese cuisine and medicine.
Chinese history shows that sap is responsible for making desserts and soups better.
When it comes to medicinal purposes, Tao Jiao brings hydration and improvement to your skin health.
How to Prepare and Use the Tao Jiao?
Here’s the simple process on how to prepare the Tao Jiao after it has been extracted and dried out:
- Rinse the dried Tao Jiao.
- Soak the Tao Jiao with water overnight.
- Remove any dark and unwanted debris.
- Simmer the Tao Jiao until it is jelly-like and delicate.
After it is ready, you can use it for snacks, chilled treats, dessert, and sweet soup.
If you are new to eating Tao Jiao and might get worried about any allergic reaction, you may seek medical help first from professionals or doctors.
What are the Benefits of Taking Tao Jiao?
Tao Jiao did not claim to be a medicine. It contains essential antioxidants, skin benefits, and a sweet treat for any who consumes.
No wonder why Chinese have loved them for thousands of years.
Chinese tradition and Science have agreed that Tao Jiao is a “beauty food,” pairing it with healthier fruits like longan, goji berries, and red dates.
Here are the known benefits of consuming Tao Jiao:
- Provides comfort and a soothing feeling.
- A great pair with other fruits and superfoods (the combination is much healthier).
- Contains anti-aging properties.
- Sugar content can regulate high immunity levels.
- Great detoxifier.
- Gently making the digestion process smoother.
- Supporting a healthy heart.
- Helps your body achieve repair and continuing function.
- Promotes youthful skin health.
- Compounds have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Perfect food even for diabetics.
- More effective and cheaper than collagen supplements.
- Packed with magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, and other minerals.
- Make your skin look hydrated and glowing.
- Satisfies your hunger.
A Natural Aid from Traditional Care
No wonder Tao Jiao achieved a superfood status. You cannot just call it a sweet treat that you cannot resist.
A culinary and medicinal Chinese ingredient that has a thousand years of immortalized testament.
Beyond that, Tao Jiao is not just for skin and digestive health. It significantly makes your heart, brain, and other essential organs strong and nourished.
Balance that one with the healthy habits that you have. I believe that Tao Jiao works more effectively than you can imagine.
Do you have any experience with Tao Jiao as a food or medicine? Share your thoughts about it.