Local Specialties of Yushu
Yushu boasts a great variety of local specialties. Its most distinctive products are Tibetan medicinal herbs, with cordyceps sinensis being the representative. Thanks to the superior growing environment, cordyceps produced in Yushu features large size and top quality, ranking among the finest across China.
Statistics show that Yushu is home to over a thousand types of Tibetan medicinal herbs, as well as more than a hundred kinds of animal-derived and natural mineral medicines. Many of them are rare species, forming a remarkable resource advantage. Tibetan medicine here enjoys a long history, with generations of renowned physicians and unique proven prescriptions.
For souvenirs, head to the Tibetan Grand Market in Jiegu Town, diagonally opposite Sanjiangyuan Commercial Building at the three-way intersection. Lined with numerous small shops, the market offers an extensive selection of goods. It sells a wide range of exquisitely crafted Tibetan articles and medicinal herbs, though prices are noticeably higher than those at ordinary roadside stalls. Nearly all shop owners here are Tibetans. Despite the higher prices, the workmanship of the goods is distinctly superior. Note that the market closes early, so it is recommended to visit during daytime.
Wooden wares such as wooden bowls and food containers from Nangqian County are elaborately made and enjoy a great reputation throughout Tibetan-inhabited areas.
Tips for Purchasing Cordyceps Sinensis
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Examine visually
Check the outer color. Be cautious if the color looks unnaturally bright. A broken cordyceps should have a pure white cross-section. Look for signs of rejoined segments and check whether broken parts are glued with strong adhesive (such glue may be toxic). Some cordyceps split into two pieces are strung together with bamboo sticks — these are usually genuine, broken accidentally during harvesting. They offer great value for money if you do not intend to give them as gifts.
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Smell
Genuine cordyceps gives off a natural aroma of mushroom with a slight fishy odor. Any unusual smell indicates a counterfeit product.
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Taste lightly
Lick the cordyceps gently. A salty taste means it has been soaked in salt water to gain extra weight.
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Pinch and touch
If the body feels overly hard, or your fingers turn black after touching the head part, the cordyceps has been soaked in iron sand powder. Those treated with aluminum sulfate appear pale in color and also feel extremely hard.
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Test with a magnet
Use a magnet for inspection. Some unscrupulous vendors insert iron wires inside the cordyceps to increase its weight.
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