The name may sound unfamiliar, but it is a woody vine that is similar to wild grapes, belonging to the grape family. Its branches are cylindrical in shape and have distinct ribs on the surface. The leaves are one or two pinnate compound leaves, ovate or lanceolate, with serrated margins. The grapes bloom from June to September, and the fruit ripens from July to November. The ripe fruit is black in color and ready for consumption.
The name Toothless snake grape may not be heard of, but it is actually very common in rural areas, especially in the mountainous areas of the south, such as Hunan. When you walk in the hillside bushes or under trees, you are likely to spot the presence of this plant. Although it is so common, many people do not understand its value and efficacy.
1. Edible value
Not only are the fruits edible, but the young leaves are also edible. In times of famine, the young leaves of the toothed snake grape can be used as an emergency food to satisfy hunger. In addition, the ripe toothed snake grape fruit has a slightly sweet taste and is one of the favorite foods of children in many rural areas.
The fruit of the grape is similar to that of wild grapes, but the fruit of the grape is smaller in comparison. Despite their small size, the grapes have a very high fruit yield.
2. The value of tea making
The young leaves of the grape can be used to make tea, the most famous of which are moldy tea made by the Tujia people in Zhangjiajie and Xiangxi, and white tea made by the Hakka people. The raw materials of these teas are the young leaves of the grapes.
Mold tea gets its name because there is a layer of hoarfrost on the surface of the tea leaves, which looks like mold in appearance. The name "moldy tea" may sound off-putting, but it has a unique taste and efficacy. It has a bitter taste and then a sweet taste, dry and cool, which is very suitable for those who drink too much or smoke and alcohol and cause an uncomfortable throat. Unlike other teas, mold tea does not contain the stimulant caffeine, so even if you drink it at night, it will not affect your sleep.
3. Medicinal value
Toothed snake grapes are not only used as food and tea, but also have medicinal properties. In ancient times, there were records of the medicinal use of grape in medical books such as "Catalogue of Famous Doctors". Snake grape has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, dispelling rheumatism and strengthening muscles and bones.
If you are experiencing problems such as excessive liver fire and throat discomfort, toothed snake grapes can help relieve symptoms. When the farmer friends encounter these problems, they will go to the mountains to pick the young leaves of the toothed snake grapes and make tea to drink. After drinking it, it will feel cool and comfortable in the throat. What's even more surprising is that even the plain water has a sweet taste after drinking the tea made from the grapes of the toothed snake, which is a very strange phenomenon.
In addition, the grape is also rich in protein, dietary fiber and a variety of trace elements, such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Therefore, it is also very high in terms of nutritional value.
Although it is common in rural areas, many people have very limited knowledge about it. However, this plant has three major values: edible, tea-making, and medicinal. Its fruits and young leaves are edible, especially in emergency situations. Young leaves can also be made into tea, which has the effect of soothing throat discomfort and lowering blood pressure and blood lipids. In addition, the tooth snake grape also has medicinal value, which can clear away heat and detoxification, dispel rheumatism, and have a certain relieving effect on excessive liver fire and throat discomfort.
For farmers living in rural areas, the grape is a very valuable plant resource. It can both increase the food content and make tea drinks to enjoy and share. So, when you find the toothed snake grape in the wild, don't forget to recognize it and take advantage of its value. Whether edible, tea-making, or medicinal, the toothed snake grape is a valuable resource to explore.