Which feature best describes high-quality Shan Yao?

• A. White, thin, light
• B. Brown, soft, brittle
• C. White, thick, solid and heavy
• D. Black, hollow

Answer: (C)

Evaluating Shan Yao focuses on physical quality indicators that reflect freshness, moisture, and integrity of the rhizome. The best description for high-quality Shan Yao is white, thick, solid and heavy. The white color suggests cleanliness and a fresh, unripe appearance without browning. Thick and solid indicate a robust, substantial rhizome with good structure, and being heavy points to ample moisture and a dense interior rather than hollowness. Together, these traits signal better potency and medicinal effectiveness for nourishing the spleen and yin.

Descriptions like white, thin, light imply an underdeveloped or dried piece; brown, soft, brittle suggests aging or damage; black, hollow indicates decay and poor quality.