Taojiao and Huajiao are both rich in nutrients. They are often boiled into soups and used in desserts. What is the difference between Taojiao and Huajiao? Which one is better?
Which is Better: Taojiao or Huajiao?
Huajiao has higher nutritional value.
Taojiao is a resin secreted by peach trees when they suffer from external injuries. Its main component is carbohydrates. Traditional Chinese medicine records show that Taojiao has the effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving diarrhea, and quenching thirst.
Huajiao, also known as fish maw, mainly consists of high-quality collagen protein, various vitamins, as well as calcium, zinc, iron, selenium, and other trace elements. It has the functions of promoting digestion, enhancing brain function, and improving physical strength. It is clear that Huajiao has higher nutritional value.
What is the Difference between Huajiao and Taojiao?
Difference in Source
Taojiao is a resin secreted by peach tree bark when it suffers from external injuries and aids in self-healing.
Huajiao, also known as fish maw, is not a gelatinous substance extracted from flowers or plants but a dried product of fish swim bladder.
Difference in Appearance
Taojiao is mostly irregular in shape, some are teardrop-shaped, varying in size and color, ranging from light yellow, yellow-brown, amber, to semi-transparent. It has a dry and hard texture with a glossy cross-section.
Fresh huajiao is white and transparent, while old huajiao tends to be deep yellow and wrinkled, covered with cracks.
Difference in Composition
Huajiao mainly consists of high-quality collagen protein, various vitamins, as well as calcium, zinc, iron, selenium, and other trace elements. Its protein content is as high as 84.2%, with only 0.2% fat, making it an ideal high-protein, low-fat food.
Taojiao mainly consists of lactose, ribose, α-glucuronic acid, and other carbohydrates.
Difference in Medicinal Effects
Taojiao has a neutral nature, with a sweet and bitter taste and no toxicity. It has the effects of promoting urination, relieving diarrhea, and harmonizing blood. It is mainly used to treat symptoms such as urinary calculi, blood in the urine, and dysentery.
Huajiao has the effects of promoting blood circulation, nourishing blood, stopping bleeding, and dispelling cold and dampness. It can enhance the digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract, strengthen the toughness and elasticity of muscle tissues, enhance brain and nerve functions, promote growth and development, and improve thinking and intelligence.
Can Taojiao and Huajiao be Consumed Together?
Yes, they can.
Taojiao and Huajiao both contain abundant nutrients and have no toxic side effects or compatibility taboos. Consuming them together is beneficial for supplementing nutrients and better absorption of medicinal effects. Taojiao and Huajiao are good nourishing ingredients and can be used to stew soups and make porridge. They have good health benefits for those who are weak, fatigued, or malnourished.
How to Consume Taojiao and Huajiao Together?
Stewed Taojiao with Huajiao
Ingredients
20g Huajiao, 15g Taojiao, 50g rock sugar, 500ml water buffalo milk.
Instructions
1. Soak the Huajiao. I soaked it overnight and it can be used at any time the next day.
2. Soak the Taojiao. Taojiao needs to be soaked for at least 10 hours.
3. Pour the Huajiao, Taojiao, and water buffalo milk into a stewing pot and simmer in a water bath.
