A CLOSER LOOK
How to recognize it
The slender underground stem of Imperata cylindrica, called baimaogen in Chinese. Cleaned pieces are pale ivory with ring-like nodes and fibrous ends.
In the kitchen
Simmer food-use rhizomes in sugarcane drinks, then strain out the fibrous pieces.
Fresh and dried forms differ in moisture. This is not lemongrass, cypress root or a prepared medicinal extract.
Ask about this ingredient
这道菜里有白茅根吗？
Does this dish contain Cogon-grass rhizome?