The storage time of general Chinese herbal medicine is relatively long. This year, I bought a lot of Chuanbei but didn't finish it. I want to keep it for future use. So, how long can Chuanbei be stored?
How long can Chuanbei be stored?
Around 2 years.
For Chinese herbal medicine, generally, herbal medicine can be stored for about 2 years; woody plant medicine has a shelf life of about 4 years, and mineral medicine can be stored for about 10 years. Chuanbei is the dried bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa, Fritillaria thunbergii, Fritillaria kansuensis, and Fritillaria delavayi. Its storage duration depends on its dryness and residual moisture. If the Chuanbei is relatively dry and stored properly, it can generally be stored for about 2 years, or even longer.
Can Chuanbei still be consumed after three years of storage?
It depends on the situation.
Technically, Chuanbei stored for three years has exceeded its shelf life. However, unlike food, Chinese herbal medicine can still be consumed if it has not been damp, molded, or infested with insects. If there is mold or insect infestation, it is not recommended to continue using it because such Chuanbei not only loses its therapeutic effect, but the mold and insect eggs can also harm human health.
How to store Chuanbei?
The principles for storing Chuanbei are: moisture-proof, mold-proof, and insect-proof. Below are two common methods of storage.
1. Store in a cool and dry place. Pack the dried Chuanbei in a clean plastic bag, then place it in a glass container, seal it tightly, and store it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. The advantage of this method is its simplicity and convenience, but the disadvantage is that the container may allow moisture from the air to enter, resulting in a relatively shorter storage time.
2. Vacuum sealing method. Put Chuanbei in a vacuum bag, use a vacuum machine to remove the air, and keep Chuanbei in a vacuum state. Then, seal the vacuum-packed Chuanbei and store it in a cool and well-ventilated area. The advantage of this method is that it effectively prevents moisture from entering, resulting in a relatively longer storage time. However, the disadvantage is that the vacuuming tool and process can be cumbersome.
Can Chuanbei be stored in the freezer?
Yes, but it is generally recommended to store it at room temperature.
Chuanbei is usually stored at room temperature, but it can also be stored in the freezer or refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator. This storage method can effectively prevent insect infestation, but it is also prone to moisture, so it is important to seal it tightly to prevent moisture from entering the refrigerator.
How to store fresh Chuanbei?
Generally, it is best to store fresh Chuanbei in the refrigerator. The specific steps are as follows:
1. Remove impurities from the fresh Chuanbei and let the surface moisture dry.
2. Then, pack the fresh Chuanbei in a clean plastic bag and tie it tightly.
3. Finally, place the plastic bag in the refrigerator for refrigeration.
Note: The storage time for fresh Chuanbei is not long, so it is not recommended to buy too much. If you can't finish it at once, it is recommended to dry or dehydrate the fresh Chuanbei and then use vacuum sealing for storage.
