Authentic donkey-hide gelatin is made from boiled donkey skin. However, due to the high price of donkey-hide gelatin, some unscrupulous individuals in the market sell gelatin that is made from old miscellaneous skin, rotten skin, and animal bones to reduce costs. Fake gelatin not only has no benefits for the human body, but also poses a health risk.
Identification Methods
"First Look": Authentic gelatin is a long rectangular block with an amber or dark brown color. The block is flat, with neat edges and a glossy surface. When viewed against light, the edges of the gelatin block appear translucent.
"Second Crush": Gelatin has a relatively brittle texture and can be easily broken by hand. When small pieces of gelatin are placed in hot water, they will dissolve within half an hour. If the gelatin dissolved in hot water is then chilled, it will solidify into a jelly-like state.
"Third Smell": After gelatin is dissolved in hot water, it emits a fragrant aroma, while fake gelatin has a fishy and foul smell.
Suitable Population
Gelatin is especially suitable for those with yin deficiency (commonly manifested as dry mouth, dry eyes, dry nose, dry skin, irritability, and poor sleep) and insufficient qi and blood.
Methods of Consumption
Eating gelatin alone has limited blood-tonifying effects and an unpleasant taste. Here are a few recommended methods of consuming gelatin:
Gelatin as Medicine: Add some crushed gelatin to the decoction of blood and qi tonifying traditional Chinese medicine. Let the gelatin dissolve in the herbal juice to enhance the effectiveness of the Chinese medicine in tonifying blood and qi.
Gelatin Porridge: Cook a suitable amount of rice or millet. Dissolve a suitable amount of gelatin in hot water, then add it to the porridge and simmer. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved. This porridge has the effects of tonifying blood and nourishing the kidneys, and promoting physical health.
Honey, Egg, and Gelatin Paste: Dissolve a suitable amount of gelatin in hot water. Add one egg and one tablespoon of honey. Cook until done, then refrigerate to form a paste. Take one spoonful on an empty stomach with warm water daily. This is especially suitable for those with qi deficiency and cough.
