Sweet apricot kernel

The sweet apricot kernel, a plump ivory seed larger than its bitter northern cousin, sold peeled at retail. Rich in natural oils, it gives soups and blended almond teas a milky, fragrant nuttiness and a touch of body.

TCM properties

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

Traditional food therapy

In Cantonese food therapy it is used with a small share of bitter kernels, the classic naam bak hang pairing, to moisten the lungs and throat, ease dry cough and smooth the bowels.

Cautions: read first

• Rich and oily, so it loosens the bowel. Take care if your stools are already loose.
• Worth noting for anyone with a nut allergy

Preparation

Soak and rinse. For almond milk (杏汁) you grind them to a slurry and strain out the solids.

Origin

The apricot districts of north China (Chengde in Hebei and similar areas). sold peeled and processed only at AU retail under FSANZ kernel restrictions

Availability in Australia

Easy to find

Pairs well with