A CLOSER LOOK
How to recognize it
Dried food-use stems and small leaves of local thyme plants sold as dijiao. Ningxia suppliers identify Thymus mongolicus; the vernacular name can also refer to related Thymus plants.
In the kitchen
Steep and strain for herbal drinks; the aromatic herb is also used to season meat or soup. It is not chili or Sichuan pepper.
Confirm botanical identity and food-use form. Dried herb, essential oil and concentrated extracts are not interchangeable; do not identify wild plants from the name alone.
Ask about this ingredient
这道菜里有食用地椒草（干）吗？
Does this dish contain Dried dijiao thyme?