The difference between Alpinia serrulata and Amomum villosum

The fruit of Alpinia galanga is very similar to Amomum villosum, and it is cheap, so many people began to use Alpinia galanga fruit to impersonate Amomum villosum and sell it for huge profits. However, when people buy this fake Amomum villosum and take it, it does not have the medicinal effect it should have, it will delay the disease, and sometimes it will be harmful to health. So what is the difference between Alpinia galanga and Amomum villosum? How should we distinguish them in normal times?

The difference between Alpinia serrulata and Amomum villosum

1. Shape

There is a clear difference between Alpinia officinalis and Amomum villosum in shape. Although the fruit of Alpinia officinalis is mostly spherical or oblong, it is orange-yellow or brown-red in appearance, and has no dense thorn-like protrusions on the surface, but a layer of short hairs or flat soft thorns. Amomum villosum is an oval or ovoid substance, which is mostly brown in appearance and has dense thorn-like protrusions. The peel is thin and relatively soft.

2. Internal structure

The internal structure of the fruit of Alpinia officinalis is also significantly different from that of Amomum villosum. The fruit of Alpinia officinalis contains only five to fifteen seeds, and its appearance is flat at one end and narrow at the other end. The seeds of Amomum villosum, on the other hand, are clustered together. It can be divided into three parts, each with thirty seeds, which can be arranged in two to three rows. It is an irregular polyhedron with angular skin.

3. Smell

The smell is also an important difference between Alpinia officinalis and Amomum villosum. Alpinia officinalis has a lighter smell with only a slight aroma, and it tastes bitter and astringent. Amomum villosum has a strong and lasting aromatic smell, and it has a distinct cool taste when you put it in your mouth and tastes bitter, but there is no astringency when you taste it carefully.

4. Different effects

The effects of Alpinia officinalis and Amomum villosum are also different. Alpinia officinalis is usually used to green the environment. Its fruit can also be used as medicine, but the efficacy is not high, it can only regulate the spleen and stomach and relieve pain. However, Amomum villosum is a Chinese herbal medicine with particularly excellent effects. After being used as medicine, it can strengthen the stomach and spleen, relieve vomiting, improve the digestive function of human gastrointestinal tract, and remove greasiness. Amomum villosum also has the important role of enhancing flavor and freshness. It can be used as a spice at ordinary times, and it can make the cooked dishes taste tempting.