Korean Dried Liriope Root | Snake's Beard | 6 oz
Korean dried liriope root (maekmundong, 맥문동) is a 6 oz (170 g) pouch of whole dried snake's beard tubers, a Product of Korea, simmered into a mild everyday root tea or added to Korean broths.
Maekmundong is the Korean name for the small, spindle-shaped tuber sold in English as snake's beard, liriope or ophiopogon, and as mai men dong in Chinese. The label lists a single ingredient, snake's beard, and the pouch holds whole dried tubers rather than powder or tea bags.
In many Korean homes, maekmundong is the root that goes into a big pot of water on the stove and comes out as the family's tea for the week. Kosbee packs this Korean root in a zip pouch and ships it from New Jersey, so that same pot is easy to make far from Korea.
Where Does This Maekmundong Come From?
The label reads Product of Korea (한국산), and the only ingredient is snake's beard. Kosbee distributes it under its own English label from Ridgefield, New Jersey, with the allergen statement printed on the pack.
Key Facts
- Origin
- Product of Korea (한국산 on the label)
- Ingredient
- Snake's beard (maekmundong), single ingredient
- Form
- Whole dried tubers
- Net weight
- 6 oz (170 g) in a zip pouch
- Allergen statement
- Packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and milk products.
- Storage
- Reseal after opening and keep in a cool, dry place.
How Do You Brew Korean Liriope Root Tea?
Rinse 10 to 15 g (about 0.35 to 0.5 oz) of the dried tubers, add them to 1 to 1.5 liters (about 1 to 1.5 quarts) of water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 30 to 40 minutes. Strain and drink it warm, or chill it in the fridge. The cup is mild and lightly nutty-sweet.
For saengmaeksan, a traditional Korean summer drink, simmer maekmundong together with Korean ginseng and dried schisandra berries (omija).
In the kitchen, add a small handful to samgyetang or galbitang while the broth simmers.
How to Enjoy It Safely
If you are pregnant or nursing, take any medication, or are under medical care, consult your healthcare provider before use. Enjoy in moderation.
Allergen note: Packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and milk products.
Common Questions About Maekmundong
What is Korean maekmundong, and where is it from?
Maekmundong (맥문동) is the Korean name for the dried tuber sold in English as snake's beard or liriope root. This pouch is labeled Product of Korea, lists snake's beard as its only ingredient, and holds 6 oz (170 g) of whole dried tubers for simmered tea and Korean broths.
How do I make liriope root (maekmundong) tea?
Rinse 10 to 15 g (about 0.35 to 0.5 oz) of the dried tubers, add them to 1 to 1.5 liters of water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 30 to 40 minutes. Strain and drink it warm or chilled. At that ratio, one 6 oz pouch makes about 11 to 17 pots of tea.
Maekmundong vs mai men dong (ophiopogon) — are they the same root?
They are close relatives sold under overlapping names. The Korean Pharmacopoeia defines maekmundong as the tuber of Liriope platyphylla or Ophiopogon japonicus, and Korean farms grow mostly Liriope, while Chinese mai men dong usually means Ophiopogon japonicus. Both are pale, spindle-shaped tubers brewed the same way; this label names the root snake's beard.
Maekmundong vs dunggulle (Solomon's seal) tea — what's the difference?
They come from different plants. Dunggulle is the rhizome of Solomon's seal (Polygonatum), usually roasted and brewed as a savory, barley-like tea, while maekmundong is the dried tuber of a lilyturf plant, simmered whole for a milder, lightly sweet cup. Kosbee carries both if you want to compare them side by side.
Where does it ship from, and how should I store it?
Orders ship from Kosbee's New Jersey warehouse within 1 business day, and orders of $60 or more ship free within the US. After opening, press the zip pouch closed and keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture so the dried tubers stay firm and clean-tasting.
Bring This Korean Root Home
Looking for a mild Korean root tea to simmer at home? Browse Traditional Korean Herbs, or pair it with Korean schisandra berry (omija) for saengmaeksan and Korean Solomon's seal root for a side-by-side tasting. Ships from New Jersey within 1 business day; orders of $60 or more ship free.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
