I have many friends around me who are taking kudzu root powder, claiming that it can boost immunity and have beautifying effects. I also bought some to try, but to my surprise, the kudzu root powder I brewed turned out to be sour. Since I have never tried it before, I would like to ask if kudzu root powder is supposed to taste sour.
Does kudzu root powder taste sour?
Some may have a slightly sour taste.
Kudzu root powder is a starch substance extracted from the rhizome of the kudzu plant. It is mostly tasteless with a hint of sweetness. However, due to different production processes, some kudzu root powder may have a slight sour taste. But this sour taste is not very prominent when consumed.
Why does kudzu root powder taste sour?
Production process
Some kudzu root powder has a slight sour taste due to the separation of phytic acid, a component in kudzu, during the high temperature dehydration process in the production of kudzu root powder. This gives the kudzu root powder a slightly sour and astringent taste. However, this type of kudzu root powder retains more active ingredients.
Expired or spoiled
Kudzu root powder that tastes sour may be due to it being expired. Usually, expired kudzu root powder not only has a sour taste, but may also have a bitter taste. Additionally, visually, expired kudzu root powder may have green or brown mold spots and may have a moldy or other strange odor.
Poor quality
The sour taste of kudzu root powder may also be related to its quality. Generally, high-quality kudzu root powder is tasteless or has a faint sweetness with a hint of ginseng flavor. If it is fake kudzu root powder or contains a lot of impurities, it may taste sour and have an earthy odor.
Can kudzu root powder with a sour taste still be consumed?
If the slight sour taste is due to different production processes, it is still safe to consume. However, if the sour taste is due to expiration or quality issues, it is not recommended to consume it. Consuming such kudzu root powder may not only fail to achieve the desired medicinal effects, but may also harm your health due to the presence of harmful substances.
How to choose kudzu root powder
In addition to taste, kudzu root powder can also be selected based on color and the state after brewing.
Color
Generally, pure and high-quality kudzu root powder has a white appearance with crystal luster. The best color for kudzu root powder is white, followed by light yellow. If it appears gray or black, it indicates a higher level of impurities.
Brewing
Authentic kudzu root powder, when brewed, has a milky white or light yellow paste-like color. When scooped with a spoon, it can flow down in a string-like manner. Poor quality kudzu root powder, on the other hand, turns white after brewing and is difficult to flow down in a string-like manner. This indicates the possible addition of other impurities.
How to store kudzu root powder
The main focus of storing kudzu root powder is to prevent moisture and mold. Here are two storage methods you can consider:
1. Store in a cool and dry place
For kudzu root powder at home, you can seal it in a plastic bag and store it in a cool, well-ventilated, and dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
2. Refrigerator storage
After sealing the kudzu root powder in a plastic bag, put it in a plastic bottle or glass jar and tightly close the lid to prevent moisture. Then, place it in the refrigerated storage compartment.
