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#### **歷史背景**
桂元肉即「龍眼肉」，由新鮮龍眼（*Dimocarpus longan*）果實乾製而成，原產於中國南方及東南亞地區。
- **古代記載**：龍眼在中國的栽培歷史超過2000年，漢代文獻已提及其藥用價值，唐代《本草拾遺》將其列為滋補上品，明朝《本草綱目》更詳述其「補益心脾、養血安神」之效。
- **文化意義**：與荔枝齊名，古時為貢品，象徵富貴吉祥，常見於節慶或贈禮。
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#### **中醫藥價值與功效**
中醫視龍眼肉為溫補藥材，性溫味甘，歸心、脾經，主要功效包括：
1. **補益心脾**：改善心脾兩虛所致疲勞、食慾不振。
2. **養血安神**：緩解失眠、健忘、心悸（如經典方劑「歸脾湯」）。
3. **調理氣血**：針對產後或術後血虛，常與紅棗、當歸配伍。
- **禁忌**：陰虛火旺、糖尿病患者慎用。
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#### **化學成分**
現代研究分析其營養與活性物質：
- **基礎營養**：高糖分（葡萄糖、蔗糖）、蛋白質、維生素（C、B族）、礦物質（鐵、鉀、鎂）。
- **活性成分**：
- **多酚類**（如鞣花酸）：抗氧化、抗衰老。
- **多糖**：調節免疫、抗疲勞。
- **腺苷**：改善血液循環，助眠。
- **研究支持**：動物實驗顯示其提取物具抗焦慮、增強記憶力效果。
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#### **烹飪中的角色**
龍眼肉因甜味與香氣，廣泛用於亞洲傳統飲食：
1. **湯品與糖水**：如桂圓紅棗茶、銀耳蓮子羹，增添自然甜味與溫補功效。
2. **藥膳燉品**：與雞肉、豬肉同燉，提升滋補性（如「桂圓枸杞燉雞」）。
3. **糕點與粥品**：用於八寶粥、月餅餡料，增加口感與營養價值。
4. **創新應用**：現代甜品如龍眼冰沙、果醬，或搭配乳酪、沙拉。
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#### **總結**
桂元肉融合藥食同源智慧，既是中醫調理氣血的經典藥材，亦是烹飪中畫龍點睛的天然甘味來源。其營養成分與藥理活性更受現代科學關注，成為養生文化與美食傳統的橋樑。使用時需考量體質，適量為宜。
### 如何挑選與分辨桂元肉（龍眼肉）的好壞？
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#### **一、優質桂元肉的挑選要點**
1. **外觀**
- **顏色**：自然暗紅褐色或深琥珀色，表面略帶光澤，避免過於鮮豔（可能硫磺熏製）或發黑（變質）。
- **果肉完整度**：顆粒飽滿、乾燥不黏連，果肉厚實且無破損，果核小。
- **雜質**：無明顯碎屑、蟲蛀或異物。
2. **氣味**
- 散發自然的香甜味，類似焦糖或蜜香，無酸味、霉味或刺鼻化學味。
3. **觸感**
- 乾燥不黏手，輕捏時有彈性，不會過硬或濕軟。
4. **口感**
- 泡水或咀嚼時，甜味溫和濃郁，無苦澀、酸味或沙粒感。
5. **產地與品種**
- 中國廣西、福建、泰國等主產區品質較佳，如「石硤龍眼」「儲良龍眼」等品種更優。
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#### **二、常見劣質品的特徵與辨別**
1. **硫磺熏製**
- **外觀**：顏色過於鮮亮（橙紅色），表面異常光滑。
- **氣味**：有刺鼻酸味或硫磺味，久聞可能引起喉嚨不適。
- **泡水測試**：水質混濁，或殘留白色粉末。
2. **染色或添加劑**
- **外觀**：顏色不均勻，部分區域過深，可能沾染手指。
- **泡水測試**：水被染成紅色或褐色。
3. **摻糖或糖精**
- **觸感**：表面黏膩，可能結塊。
- **口感**：甜味過於尖銳或不自然，後味發苦。
4. **潮濕發霉**
- **外觀**：表面長白斑或黑點，果肉軟爛。
- **氣味**：霉味或腐敗味。
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#### **三、購買建議**
1. **選擇信譽商家**：優先到中藥行、有機商店或品牌專櫃購買，避免路邊散裝品。
2. **查看包裝標示**：確認產地、生產日期、有無添加劑（如「無硫」標籤）。
3. **少量試購**：初次購買可先買小包裝，測試品質後再大量購入。
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#### **四、保存方法**
- 密封後置於陰涼乾燥處，避免高溫或潮濕，可冷藏保存更久。
- 若發現受潮，可曬乾或低溫烘烤後重新密封。
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#### **總結**
優質桂元肉應具備自然色澤、濃郁香氣與純淨甜味，避開化學處理或變質品。掌握「看、聞、摸、嘗」四步驟，即可輕鬆挑選出滋補又安心的好龍眼！
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#### **Historical Background**
Dried longan, known as "Longyan Rou," is made by drying the fruit of fresh longan (*Dimocarpus longan*), native to southern China and Southeast Asia.
- **Ancient Records**: Longan cultivation in China dates back over 2,000 years. Han Dynasty texts mention its medicinal uses, the Tang Dynasty *Supplement to Materia Medica* (*Bencao Shiyi*) classified it as a superior tonic, and the Ming Dynasty *Compendium of Materia Medica* (*Bencao Gangmu*) detailed its effects of "nourishing the heart and spleen, enriching blood, and calming the mind."
- **Cultural Significance**: Revered alongside lychee, longan was historically offered as tribute and symbolizes prosperity and auspiciousness, often used in festivals or as gifts.
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#### **Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Value and Benefits**
In TCM, dried longan is considered a warming tonic. It is sweet in taste, warm in nature, and acts on the Heart and Spleen meridians. Key benefits include:
1. **Nourishing Heart and Spleen**: Alleviates fatigue and poor appetite caused by heart-spleen deficiency.
2. **Enriching Blood and Calming the Mind**: Relieves insomnia, forgetfulness, and palpitations (e.g., the classic formula *Guipi Tang*).
3. **Regulating Qi and Blood**: Used postpartum or post-surgery for blood deficiency, often paired with red dates and angelica root.
- **Contraindications**: Not suitable for those with yin deficiency with heat signs or diabetes.
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#### **Chemical Composition**
Modern studies highlight its nutrients and bioactive compounds:
- **Basic Nutrients**: High in sugars (glucose, sucrose), protein, vitamins (C, B complex), and minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium).
- **Active Components**:
- **Polyphenols** (e.g., ellagic acid): Antioxidant and anti-aging.
- **Polysaccharides**: Immune modulation and anti-fatigue.
- **Adenosine**: Improves blood circulation and sleep.
- **Research**: Animal studies show extracts exhibit anti-anxiety and memory-enhancing effects.
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#### **Culinary Applications**
Dried longan is widely used in Asian cuisine for its sweetness and aroma:
1. **Soups and Desserts**: E.g., longan-red date tea, snow fungus and lotus seed soup, adding natural sweetness and tonic properties.
2. **Medicinal Stews**: Braised with chicken or pork for nourishment (e.g., "longan-goji chicken stew").
3. **Pastries and Congee**: Featured in eight-treasure porridge or mooncake fillings for texture and nutrition.
4. **Modern Innovations**: Used in smoothies, jams, yogurt, or salads.
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#### **Summary**
Dried longan embodies the philosophy of "food as medicine." It is both a classic TCM herb for regulating qi and blood and a versatile culinary ingredient. Its nutritional and pharmacological properties bridge wellness traditions and gastronomy, though moderation and suitability for individual constitutions are advised.
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### How to Select and Identify High-Quality Dried Longan
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#### **1. Key Criteria for Premium Dried Longan**
1. **Appearance**
- **Color**: Natural reddish-brown or deep amber with slight gloss. Avoid overly bright hues (indicating sulfur fumigation) or blackened spots (spoilage).
- **Integrity**: Plump, dry, non-sticky flesh with minimal damage and small pits.
- **Purity**: Free of debris, insect damage, or foreign matter.
2. **Aroma**
- Naturally sweet, caramel-like fragrance without sourness, mustiness, or chemical odors.
3. **Texture**
- Dry and non-sticky; slightly elastic when pressed, not overly hard or soggy.
4. **Taste**
- Rich, mellow sweetness when soaked or chewed; no bitterness, sourness, or grittiness.
5. **Origin and Varieties**
- Prioritize main producing regions like Guangxi, Fujian (China), or Thailand. Superior cultivars include "Shixia" and "Chuliang."
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#### **2. Identifying Low-Quality Products**
1. **Sulfur-Fumigated**
- **Appearance**: Unnaturally bright orange-red, overly smooth surface.
- **Odor**: Pungent sulfur or acidic smell; may irritate the throat.
- **Water Test**: Cloudy water or white residue.
2. **Dyed or Additive-Treated**
- **Appearance**: Uneven color, stains on fingers.
- **Water Test**: Water turns reddish or brown.
3. **Sugar-Coated or Artificial Sweeteners**
- **Texture**: Sticky surface or clumps.
- **Taste**: Sharp, artificial sweetness with bitter aftertaste.
4. **Damp or Moldy**
- **Appearance**: White or black mold spots; mushy flesh.
- **Odor**: Musty or rancid smell.
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#### **3. Purchasing Tips**
1. **Reputable Sources**: Buy from trusted herbal shops, organic stores, or certified brands; avoid unverified bulk sellers.
2. **Label Check**: Verify origin, production date, and additives (e.g., "sulfur-free").
3. **Trial Purchase**: Start with small quantities to test quality before bulk buying.
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#### **4. Storage Methods**
- Store in airtight containers in cool, dry places; refrigerate for extended shelf life.
- Re-dry or lightly bake if damp before resealing.
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#### **Conclusion**
High-quality dried longan boasts natural color, rich aroma, and pure sweetness. By mastering the "look, smell, touch, taste" method, you can easily select nourishing and safe longan for health and culinary delight!
