Traditional Herbs Turn Into Trendy Treats

 

In Shanghai, China, a new ice cream shop make headlines with their unique offerings: a range of ice creams containing traditional Chinese medicine. 

 

With a total of 16 flavors, including mint and watermelon frost, wild chrysanthemum and pistachio, smoked plum, bamboo and jasmine, hawthorn and bergamot, and loquat syrup, the new summer treats are conquering customers. 

 

Priced at 38 yuan ($5.3) for 120 grams and 45 yuan for 150 grams, customers can also ask for toppings made from premium ingredients like ginseng (12 yuan) and caterpillar fungus (known in China as "winter-worm summer-grass", which is said to be effective in boosting the immune system, for 18 yuan). Additionally, the shop sells herbal teas at an average price of around 20 yuan. 

 

According to the staff, these products use ice cream as a primary base, with a small amount of herbal ingredients added to enhance the flavor. The concept is centered around the idea of "new Chinese-style herbs" and the traditional TCM principle that "food and medicine share the same origin".

 

The TCM ice cream has gone viral online, with the related hashtag on China's X-like platform Sina Weibo garnering over 50 million views and 10,000 comments about it. 

 

While some Weibo users question the compatibility of these ice creams with traditional Chinese medicine principles – citing concerns over the consumption of cold foods, others showed their interest. "My last bit of guilt from eating ice cream has now disappeared", read a Weibo comment.

 

The rise of TCM-infused ice cream is part of a larger trend where traditional Chinese medicine is being integrated into modern food products. With wellness and health being increasingly valued by younger generations, along with a growing sense of cultural confidence, this fusion of TCM with contemporary cuisine is gaining popularity among young consumers in China. From herbal teas and bread to coffee and now ice cream, TCM is making its mark in the culinary world.

 

Beyond ice cream, TCM is making its way into various foods. In Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, a hospital started producing milk tea, pastries, and lollipops infused with medicinal herbs. And a hospital in North China's Tianjin even opened a bakery featuring medicinal breads like lotus leaf hydrating toast and Ejiao soft bread.