Organic Jiaogulan - Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Jiaogulan or the tea of immortality is a climbing plant native to Asia. It is grown for its leaves, which are used for infusion. Very hardy, Jiaogulan can be grown in the ground or in a pot. An oral tradition tells that regular consumption of Jiaogulan has an effect on longevity, hence its nickname tea of immortality. Worth a try! Planting from spring to autumn, preferably between April and June. Harvest all year round, except during freezing periods.

This plant, native to Asia, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a perennial plant, very hardy, which will need support to cling or will grow on the ground if you have space. Its leaves are evergreen, ovate and slightly dentate. It produces small white flowers from August to October.

An oral tradition tells that regular consumption of Jiaogulan has an effect on longevity, hence its nickname tea of immortality. A study from the 1970s showed that a province in China, Guizhou province, had a very high number of centenarians, who were also big consumers of Jiaogulan.

The leaves, with a sweet taste, can be used for infusion, alone or mixed with other plants. The Japanese use Jiaogulan to replace sugar in certain drinks.

Jiaogulan is rich in antioxidants and contains more saponins than ginseng. Used in traditional Chinese medicine, the tea of immortality is reputed, among other things, to strengthen natural defenses, increase vitality, and help the body better resist stress.

Cultivate it in the vegetable garden or in a pot.

Harvesting: the leaves can be harvested all year round (except during freezing periods), as needed.

Storage: ideally, the leaves should be consumed fresh, just after picking. However, they can be dried by hanging a bunch of stems upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place away from light.

Gardener's tip: To keep the soil cool in summer and protected from the cold in winter, we recommend mulching the ground with thin successive layers of grass clippings, preferably mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also reduces the need for weeding.