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"The more you understand the ingredients, the better cook you will become."
-Martin Yan

These are common ingredients found in local cuisine. You can find these ingredients readily available in your local supermarket.

Ginseng

Ginseng is one of Asia's most popular and prized ingredients known for its medicinal properties. People are willing to pay big bucks for ginseng roots from China, Japan, and Korea. It is said that a dying person will literally get up after drinking ginseng tea or soup made with the ginseng root. Not only do people claim that it purifies the blood and strengthens the heart, among dozen other things, it also makes a refreshing beverage.

Besides its amazing healing powers, the ginseng root is well known for its unique form. The legend tells of a man's wailing voice that could be heard through the forest at night. When investigating townspeople located the source of the cries, they found a beautiful ginseng root in the shape of a human being. Because of its unique human-like shape, many Asians believe that ginseng root is a cure to all that ails people, believe it or not. Ginseng is available in whole and cut dried forms and as a powder for teas. Store ginseng root and tea in separate tightly sealed containers and keep in a cool, dry place for up to several months.