100 gram dried Ming Aralia Tea Organic Dinh Lang Polyscias fruticosa Herbal Tea
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Quick Summary & AI Overview
This listing is 100 grams of dried Ming Aralia leaf (Polyscias fruticosa), known in Vietnamese as Đinh Lăng. A graceful shrub in the ginseng (Araliaceae) family with fine, fern-like foliage, it has long been grown in Vietnamese dooryard gardens. Its dried leaves brew a distinctive earthy, herbaceous, caffeine-free infusion, and the fresh leaves are a classic herb alongside Vietnamese dishes. Loose leaf, easy to brew hot or iced.
- Ideal For: Fans of Vietnamese herbal teas and earthy botanical infusions; home cooks; tea blenders.
- Flavor & Aroma: Earthy, herbaceous, mild and traditional.
- Key Characteristics: Caffeine-free, dried loose leaf, ginseng-family botanical.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Polyscias fruticosa (syn. Panax fruticosum) |
| Common Names | Ming Aralia, Đinh Lăng, Polynesian Aralia, Polyscias Ming |
| Plant Family | Araliaceae (ginseng family) |
| Form | Dried loose leaf |
| Net Weight | 100 grams (3.5 oz) |
| Origin Tradition | Southeast Asia (long enjoyed in Vietnam) and Pacific islands |
| Flavor Profile | Earthy, herbaceous, mild |
| Caffeine | Naturally caffeine-free |
| Shelf Life | Best within ~12–18 months when stored properly |
A Beloved Vietnamese Garden Herb
Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa) — đinh lăng in Vietnamese — is one of the most familiar plants of the Vietnamese home garden, so common by doorways and courtyards that it’s sometimes called the “household ginseng.” A member of the ginseng (Araliaceae) family, it is an evergreen shrub prized for its finely divided, feathery, glossy dark-green foliage. Its dried leaves brew an earthy, herbaceous, caffeine-free infusion that has been a simple, everyday cup in Vietnam for generations.
Plant & Leaf Character
Ming Aralia grows slowly into a graceful shrub or dwarf tree, typically 1–2 meters tall. Its tripinnate leaves are divided into many narrow, lance-shaped leaflets about 10 cm long, giving the plant a soft, fern-like, almost lacy look — which is also why it’s cherished as an ornamental and bonsai subject. It thrives in warm, medium-humidity climates (roughly 16–29°C), and is widely cultivated across Southeast Asia and the tropical Pacific.
Key Highlights
- Vietnamese Classic: Đinh lăng, long enjoyed as a home herbal tea and fresh herb.
- Ginseng-Family Botanical: From the same plant family (Araliaceae) as ginseng.
- Distinctive Foliage: Fine, fern-like leaves — also a favorite ornamental/bonsai plant.
- Caffeine-Free: A warm, everyday cup any time of day.
- Loose Leaf: Measure to taste; great on its own or in blends.
Master Brewing Guide
Hot Infusion
- Measure: Use about 1 teaspoon of dried leaves per cup (about 240 ml); adjust to taste.
- Heat Water: Bring fresh water to a boil (about 95–100°C).
- Steep: Pour over the leaves and steep 5–10 minutes — longer steeping gives a stronger, more full-bodied cup.
- Strain & Serve: Strain and enjoy plain or with a touch of honey.
Iced & Blends
- Brew stronger, cool, and serve over ice for a refreshing cup.
- Combine with other mild herbs such as lemongrass or pandan for a fragrant blend.
Culinary Applications
- Everyday Herbal Tea: An earthy, caffeine-free daily cup, hot or iced.
- Fresh Herb Plate (rau sống): In Vietnam, fresh đinh lăng leaves are eaten alongside dishes like gỏi cá (fish salad) and nem (fresh/fried rolls).
- Garnish: Add a few leaves to salads for a distinctive herbal note.
- Blends: Pairs with lemongrass, pandan, or ginger.
Good to Know
- Composition: The leaves naturally contain amino acids and B-group vitamins (stated as general plant composition, not a health claim).
- Dual Use: Valued both as a fragrant herbal tea/culinary herb and as a decorative garden and bonsai plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ming Aralia / đinh lăng?
It’s the dried leaf of Polyscias fruticosa, a graceful shrub in the ginseng family, known in Vietnamese as đinh lăng and enjoyed as a traditional caffeine-free herbal tea and fresh culinary herb.
How much is in this pack?
This listing is 100 grams (3.5 oz) of dried loose Ming Aralia leaf.
Does it contain caffeine?
No — it’s a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion.
What does it taste like?
Earthy and herbaceous with a mild, traditional character — pleasant on its own or lightly sweetened.
How do I brew it?
Steep about 1 teaspoon per cup in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes, then strain. Enjoy hot or iced.
Storage & Quality Assurance
- Freshness: Dried loose leaf packed to preserve aroma.
- Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container away from moisture and direct sunlight; dried leaves keep well when sealed.
- Package Includes: 100 g (3.5 oz) of dried Ming Aralia (Đinh Lăng, Polyscias fruticosa) leaf.
This is a herbal tea for culinary enjoyment. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant or nursing, take medication, or have allergies to plants in the Araliaceae (ginseng) family, consult a healthcare professional before use.