
MODERN – TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
The history of Traditional Chinese Medicine can be traced back to the mythical times in China when the legendary Shen Nong “tasted hundreds of herbs and got poisoned in a day”. With the advent of modern scientific technologies of today, people are now able to gain a deeper understanding of the uses of Chinese herbs.
Besides regulating the body, Chinese herbs are also ready ingredients for our daily cooking. Hockhua imports herbs from provinces all over China, and ensures that they undergo stringent screening and grading process, hence guaranteeing the best quality products for customers.
DANG SHEN
Dangshen, or Pilose Asiabell Root, has a sweet taste and can be used to replenish vital energy and blood. It is normally used with other herbs such as wolfberries, red dates, longans etc. People who experience shortness of breath due to energy deficiency are suitable to consume Dangshen. Dangshen is grown in various regions in China, in particular Gansu province. Hockhua imports Dangshen from Wen County of Gansu Province, China.


Selected Dangshen
Fresh
Complete in shape
Smooth without grooves
Categorised
Dried
Clean

Common Dangshen
With little grooves
Milder in taste
CHRYSANTHEMUM
The famous White Chrysanthemum originates from Hangzhou, China. It can also be found in other regions in China, in particular those of Zhejiang Tong Xiang which is considered to be of upper quality. Also, white chrysanthemums grown in the Yellow Mountain of Anhui province have long been used as a tribute to the ancient emperors.
HANGZHOU WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUM

ANHUI CHRYSANTHEMUM

HUBEI CHRYSANTHEMUM

JIANGSU CHRYSANTHEMUM

Chrysanthemum has the properties of cooling and improving eye-sight.

The Technique of making Chrysnthemum Tea
Chrysanthemum tea often tastes mildly bitter, but there is a small technique to prevent this. First, bring the water to boil. Add 15g of Chrysanthemum to 500ml of boiling water for 15min each time. Also add a tablespoon of honey to reduce bitterness. Use a transparent glass to contain the tea so that the colour of the tea looks clear.
BEI QI
Beiqi or Astragalus root is found in the northern region of China. It is commonly used with other herbs to supplement vital energy (qi) to the body. It has a slightly sweet taste and can be used as an ingredient in porridge, soup and rice.

BLACK BEIQI
Originating from Shanxi Province, this species of Beiqi undergoes a combination process of slicing, drying and grading. It is commonly used as a tonic in food.

BEIQI SLICE
Originating from the provinces of Gansu and Shaanxi, this species of Beiqi are compressed to form slices. As a soup ingredient, it is suitable for the whole family.

SHI HU
Shihu, or Dendrobium, is the dried stem of Dendrobium nobile Lindi which grows in the subtropical climate with an annual average temperature of between 17-20°C. Its hilly growing environment enables the herb to absorb the essence of the natural elements.
Shihu has to undergo processing without additives, retaining its natural goodness. (Fresh Shihu is edible though it is less fragrant than dried Shihu). Shihu has a mild taste and is cooling and beneficial to the gastric and kidneys. It is relieves exhaustion and replenish energy. In particular, it improves eyesight and is beneficial to working adults. Shihu can be complemented by Chinese ginseng, American ginseng and wolfberries etc in tonic soups. Chrysanthemum and Luo Han Fruit can also be added to make delicious beverages. Shihu, along with ginseng and cordyceps can be grinded into powder form for consumption.

Shihu can be classified into 8 main species. Prices of these species depend on the level of collagen and thickness as well as the amount of nutrients they contain. Accordingly, they are graded as below:

Tie Pi

Zi Pi (Special)

Zi Pi (First Grade)

Guang Jie

Tong pi

Shui Lan

Xiao Zhu

Da Qing
WOLFBERRY
Gouqi, or Wolfberry, is the dried ripe fruit of Lycium babarum. It nourishes the liver and kidneys and replenishes blood. Gouqi can either be eaten raw or used as soup ingredient.

PROVINCES GROWING WOLFBERRIES
Gouqi are produced in many provinces in China. The authentic species come from Ningxia province as its duration of sunshine in the day is long and its temperature difference between day and night is also large, creating a favourable growing environment for Gouqi. In particular, the species grown near the Yellow River are bigger in size, firmer in flesh, and higher in nutrients and quality. Gouqi can be eatan raw, and they are suitable for brewed soup and tea beverages.

HOCKHUA TONIC WOLFBERRY SPECIES

AUTHENTIC NINGXIA WOLFBERRIES
Merchandised directly from Zhengning, Ningxia province. Supplied by native famers, belong to authentic herbs. Wolfberry products are graded as follow:
No. 1 Authentic Ningxia Wolfberries : 220 berries
No. 2 Authentic Ningxia Wolfberries : 250 berries
No. 3 Authentic Ningxia Wolfberries : 280 berries
No. 4 Authentic Ningxia Wolfberries : 350 berries
No. 5 Authentic Ningxia Wolfberries : 550 berries
(The grade refer to the number of the Authentic Ningxia Wolfberries in 50g. )

NINGXIA WOLFBERRIES
Merchandised from China’s distribution market, prices are relatively cheaper due to uncertainty in places of origin. Species include:
No. 2 Ningxia Wolfberries : 250 berries
No. 3 Ningxia Wolfberries : 280 berries
No. 4 Ningxia Wolfberries : 350 berries
No. 5 Ningxia Wolfberries : 550 berries
(The grade refer to the number of the Authentic
Ningxia Wolfberries in 50g. )

QINGHAI WOLFBERRIES
Imported from Chinese export firm:
青海枸杞子王: 150粒
青海枸杞子(特贡): 200粒
2号青海枸杞子: 250粒
3号青海枸杞子: 280粒

XINJIANG WOLFBERRIES
Imported from Guangzhou export firm:
Xinjiang Wolfberries (Special) 500g package and Xinjiang Wolfberries (Grade A) 500g Package.
Sold at affordable price.
Recipes
Nourishing Soup for Post-natal Mothers
Hockhua’s ‘Eight Treasures Yin-nourishing Soup’ Pack consists of Poria (fuling) slices, White Atractylodes, Liquorice root, Rehmannia root slices, white peony root, Cnidium, Chinese angelica slices, selected Codonopsis root and wolfberries. Suitable for women with weak body constitution.
Methods
- Wash and cut mutton into portions before boiling to remove smell.
- Cut and remove both sides of lotus root and cut the rest into slices. Add cooked mutton, ginger slices, pepper seeds and Shaoxing wine, along with Hockhua ‘Eight Treasures Yin-nourishing Soup’. Simmer for 1 hour before serving.
Mutton can replenish qi and blood. Lotus root is rich in calcium and iron. Suitable for post-natal mothers.
Ingredients (serve 4)

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang
(Complete Ten Herbs Tonic Soup)
Hockhua’s “shi quan da bu tang” consists of beiqi, wolfberries, selected codonopsis root, poria (fuling) slices, white atractylodes, Liquorice root, Rehmannia root, white peony root, Cnidium, Chinese angelica slices, cinnamon etc. Suitable for recuperating patients and people with weak body constitution.
Methods
-
- Rinse and cut lean pork into half before blanching.
- Add lean pork, ginger slices and Shaoxing wine, along with Hockhua “shi quan da bu tang” into pot. Simmer for 1 hour.
Replenish both qi and blood. Suitable for people with weak body constitution and aching knees and lower back.
Ingredients (serve 4)


Ingredients (serve 3-4)
Dendrobium Soup with American Ginseng
Methods
- Rinse dendrobium, American ginseng, wolfberries and longan flesh.
- Rinse and cut black chicken into half and blanch it.
- Add black chicken, American ginseng, dendrobium and ginger slices into the stewing pot. Simmer under slow fire for 2 hours. Add appropriate amount of salt when serving.
Revitalize body, suitable for people with weak body constitution.
Suggested intake: twice every week.

Ingredients (serve 1)
Dendrobium soup
Methods
- Wash dendrobium, milkvetch root and Chinese yam.
- Blanch pork before cutting it into half.
- In a slow cooker, put in the dendrobium, milkvetch root, Chinese yam and lean meat. Add water and simmer over low fire for 2 hours. Add an appropriate amount of salt before serving.
Nourishes lung and improves eyesight.
CORDYCEPS – “Soft Gold”
Cordyceps, or Dongchong Xiacao, which literally means “Winter Worm, Summer Grass”, is the composite of the dead caterpillar larva in the winter (Dong Chong) and the parasitic fungus which grows on the head of the dead larva to form a stroma resembling grass during summer (Xia Cao).
Cordyceps grows in the cold plateau of Qinghai and Tibet at 3000 to 4000 metres above the sea level. According to clinical research, Cordyceps contains rich cordycepic acid, cordycepin, 21 amino acids, various vitamins and fatty acids, all of which are irreplaceable by other foods. Scientific research has shown that Cordyceps is beneficial to the liver, lungs and kidneys. It stops bleeding and cough and removes phlegm. It also strengthens the body immunity system.
Due to its rarity and its price, Cordyceps is considered “Soft Gold”.

The price of cordyceps depends on its place of origin. The higher the altitude, the pricier the cordyceps due to the difficulty in obtaining the herb. Hence cordyceps from Tibet and Qinghai are highest in quality and price.
Tibet Cordyceps is dark in colour and bigger in size; it also exudes a strong smell of ghee. Qinghai Cordyceps tend towards golden yellow in colour; it is firmer and has a fragrant smell liken to mushrooms. Sichuan produces smaller cordyceps than Tibet and Qinghai. Sichuan Cordyceps has longer stroma, is darker in colour and harder in texture.
The qualities of cordyceps vary according to their places of origin, hence remember to identify their respective outer characteristics.
The price of cordyceps depends on its place of origin. The higher the altitude, the pricier the cordyceps due to the difficulty in obtaining the herb. Hence cordyceps from Tibet and Qinghai are highest in quality and price.
Tibet Cordyceps is dark in colour and bigger in size; it also exudes a strong smell of ghee. Qinghai Cordyceps tend towards golden yellow in colour; it is firmer and has a fragrant smell liken to mushrooms. Sichuan produces smaller cordyceps than Tibet and Qinghai. Sichuan Cordyceps has longer stroma, is darker in colour and harder in texture.
The qualities of cordyceps vary according to their places of origin, hence remember to identify their respective outer characteristics.
Benefits the kidneys and lungs. Stops bleeding and dispels phlegm. Effective for people suffering from chronic cough. 3 grams per intake
PROCESSING OF HOCKHUA
FAT RABBIT BRAND CORDYCEPS

1. Every strand of cordyceps has to undergo metal detection to ensure that it does not contain such materials.

2. Cleansed cordyceps are sent for drying.

3. Manual picking to select dark cordyceps and broken joints.

4. Every strand of cordyceps are measured precisely to ensure standardised specifications.
FAT RABBIT BRAND CORDYCEPS

Fat Rabbit Brand packaged cordyceps contain less impurities and maintain a certain level of dryness.

Sichuan Cordyceps
The label of Rabbit Brand Cordyceps states its place of origin and specifications. Packed cordyceps do not contain impurities.

Sichuan Cordyceps

LABELLING
Selected and packaged locally. Packaged weight and actual net weight of cordyceps are stated clearly.
The measurement of cordyceps:
Because every cordycep is uniquely shaped, the price can vary widely for different sizes. Hockhua measures by the number of units per kg according to international standards.
Grade | Units per kg |
Top | 2600 units |
Premium | 3000 units |
Large | 3500 units |
Medium | 4200 units |
Small | 5000 units |
Extra small | +/- 6500 units |
(The average weight above is based on 1 kg)
SNOW JELLY/HASHIMA
Xuege, or Hashima, refers to the dry oviduct of female wood frogs found in the Mount Changbai in north-eastern China. Forest frogs live in the frosty cold environment feeding on the wild fruits and insects in the forests. They hibernate at the bottom of rivers during winter for a period of five months.
Hashima benefits the lungs and moisturises dry skin. It also invigorates the kidneys and supply bone marrow. Suitable for post-natal weakness and exhaustion.

AUTHENTIC HASHIMA
Expand easily when soaked in water. Semi – transparent and crystal
-like state. Firm and suitable for cooking and stewing.

COMMON HASHIMA
Expand less easily or does not expand at all when soaked (some may dissolve entirely)
HOCKHUA HASHIMA PRODUCTS

AUTHENTIC JILIN SNOW JELLY
Does not contain non-authentic ingredients, such as grassland oil.

JILIN HASHIMA
Expand easily when soaked. Semi-transparent and crystal-like state. Firm and suitable for cooking and stewing. Light fishy smell. Good taste. Expands 55 times of its original size.

HEILONG JIANG SNOW JELLY
Does not expand easily-expands only 40 times of its original size. Has a stronger smell and takes a longer time to soak and cooked (may dissolve easily). Not firm and less tasty.

HEILONG JIANG SNOW JELLY
Does not expand easily-expands only 40 times of its original size. Has a stronger smell and takes a longer time to soak and cooked (may dissolve easily). Not firm and less tasty.

Luo Han Fruit grows in the hilly regions 300 metres to 500 metres above sea level. Its seeds are light yellow in colour and its fruits mature between August and October.
LUO HAN FRUIT
“Luo Han” is said to be the name of an ancient physician who used this hitherto unknown fruit to cure many patients who in turn named it “Luo Han” in memory of him.
Luo Han Fruit is highly nutritional and cooling; it can also nourish the lungs and quench thirst. Its fruits are a common ingredient in herbal tea, as well as a condiment of boiled soups.
Chinese Traditional Medicine considers the sweet Luo HanFruit to have cooling properties and is able to relieve cough and sore throat. As such, it is commonly used in herbal tea.
Modern medicine found Luo Han Fruit to contain rich glucose, protein and Vitamin C. Its anti-aging and anti-cancer properties make it a valuable herb for health-conscious adults.


Luo Han Fruits have to undergo a drying process to remove moisture and allow the sugar level to concentrate before entering the baking room to be roasted to blackish-brown in colour.
PEARL
Pearls are ancient organic gems- they are formed when shelled organisms are triggered by microscopic objects and produce nacre which makes up pearls. Pearls contain calcium carbonate, various amino acids and rich vitamins.

Pearls can calm nerves and detoxify the body. It increases body immunity and slows down aging process. It is also effective in removing skin spots and whitening body skin. Lastly, pearls are also cooling and yin-nourishing. Tiny pearls are normally grinded into powder to be better absorbed by the body. Adults are advised to consume approximately 1 portion* or consume it in two times.
* 1 portion refers to 0.375g

Pearls are produced all year round in Zhuji City, China’s Zhejiang province.
Its pearl output is the highest in December.
Size specification
(Diameter):
Grade 1: Below 0.125mm
Grade 2: 0.125 mm – 0.15 mm
Grade 3: 0.15 mm – 0.175 mm
Grade 4: 0.175 mm – 0.2 mm
Grade 5: 0.2 mm – 0.225 mm
DA SHENG BRAND CANNED SNOW JELLY

Manufactured in Singapore’s HACCP-certified processing plant.




Does not contain artificial colouring, preservatives, stabilisers. Clinically certified for non-cholesterol content in Hashima.

Canned Snow Jelly Products
Da Sheng Brand Snow Jelly with Rock Sugar 230g
Da Sheng Brand Snow Jelly with Korean Ginseng 230g
Da Sheng Brand Snow Jelly with Rock Sugar (150g x 6 bottles)
Da Sheng Brand Snow Jelly with Korean Ginseng (150g x 6 bottles)
Da Sheng Brand Snow Jelly with Luo Han Fruit (150g x 6 bottles)
Recipes
Cordyceps Quail Soup with Fish Maw
Methods
- Wash quail. Soak cordyceps in water.
- Soak dried pieces of fish maw in hot water for an hour.
- Rinse and slice ginger. Remove cores of red dates.
- Add all ingredients into the electric claypot and pour 2 bowls of water. Simmer under slow fire for 2 hours. Add Shaoxing wine and salt and serve shortly.
Invigorate vital energy. Suitable for the asthenic women.
Ingredients (serve 1)

Cordyceps Duck
Methods
- Wash duck before blanching.
- Remove stalks of mushrooms and soak in warm water for 30 minutes. Rinse ginger. Rinse scallions and cut into two.
- Rinse cordyceps briefly.
- Place cordyceps into the stomach of the duck. Place ginger and scallions at the bottom of the steamer. Add water and Shaoxing wine. Simmer under slow fire for 4 hours. Add salt before serving.
Suitable for tinnitus and insomnia. Main for the men.
Ingredients (serve 4)


Ingredients (serve 4-5)
Nourishing Hashima Soup with Rock Sugar
Methods
- Soak an appropriate amount of dried hashima for half a day and remove impurities
- Add red dates, American ginseng, dried longan flesh and lotus seeds into the brewing pot. Add cold water and boil under high fire before switching to low fire and brew for 35 minutes. Add rock sugar and the dish can be served.
Cleanse the skin and improves complexion.

Ingredients (serve 2)
Stewed Hashima with Rock Sugar
Methods
- Soak dried hashima in water until it has expanded to become jelly-like. Use a tweezer to gently pick out curly and the black or brown bits.
- Cut ginger into slices (number of slices is optional) and soak these in warm water to get ginger water. This ginger water will be used to stew the hashima to remove its pungent smell.
- Slice papaya into half. Remove the seeds to get a papaya boat.
- Put hashima, ginger water and rock sugar into this papaya boat.
Place this on a dish and put this in a pot to steam under low fire for 20 minutes.
Moisten the skin and improve skin condition.