Potato

The common potato, peeled and chunked for the pot. It simmers to a floury softness that thickens and rounds tomato and pork-bone soups, a fixture of Hong Kong's beloved ABC soup. Sprouted or greened tubers are discarded, never cooked.

TCM properties

Nature · neutral　Flavour · sweet　Meridians · stomach、large intestine

Traditional food therapy

In Cantonese food therapy potato is regarded as strengthening the spleen, tonifying qi and harmonising the stomach, homely, steady nourishment.

Cautions: read first

• Safety criticalSprouted or greened potatoes contain solanine and are toxic. Do not use them

Preparation

Peel and cut into pieces.

Origin

Grown locally in every Australian state. Australian potatoes are locally grown. Australian potatoes are sold by variety: for braises pick a waxy or all-rounder (Desiree, Dutch Cream, Pontiac, red potatoes); the floury white bags (Sebago, Coliban) fall apart in the pot

Availability in Australia

Easy to find

Pairs well with