A CLOSER LOOK
How to recognize it
Young basal shoots of Lanxangia tsaoko, also known as Amomum tsaoko, the plant producing the dried tsaoko spice fruit.
In the kitchen
Remove tough outer sheaths and old bases, wash and shred for dressed salads, or slice for stir-fries and stews.
Not dried tsaoko pods, bamboo shoots or cattail shoots called caoya. Use correctly identified culinary produce; tenderness changes with maturity.
Ask about this ingredient
这道菜里有草果芽吗？
Does this dish contain Fresh tsaoko shoots?
A few dishes to explore
These examples use this ingredient in typical or optional preparations. Open the dish to see the distinction; a restaurant’s recipe can differ.
