What pot to use to cook Chinese herbs? Do I have to wash the herbs before cooking?

Dear all,

(1) What pot should we use to cook Chinese herbs?
(2) Do we need to wash the herbs before cooking?

Many people probably don’t think much about what pot to use and simply use what they have at home.

In summary, please don’t use cast iron, aluminium or copper pot. This is because there might be chemical interaction between these metals with the Chinese herbs. It may change the medicinal properties of the herbs. You can use any ceramic/clay pot, glass and stainless steel. These materials are more stable.

What pot to use :
00:00:46 What pot can’t be used?
00:01:54 What pot is recommended?
Should we wash the herbs:
00:05:49 For herbal decoction
00:06:15 For herbal soup or dessert soup
00:07:05 For herbal tea

As for if we need to wash the herbs before cooking, the quick answer is no. If you are concerned or just getting so used to washing everything before cooking, you could rinse the herbs quickly. But just make sure all the herbs are in their whole forms and no powder or small pieces that might be washed away. You can also soak the herbs before cooking. As for herbal tea, you can discard the first brew. I explain more in detail in the video. Please check out the video.

Enjoy cooking with Chinese herbs!

Lots of love,
Shirley