Soaking Ejiao in yellow wine is preferable.
Ejiao possesses a certain fishy odor. Soaking it in yellow wine can eliminate this odor while enhancing its efficacy. Additionally, yellow wine softens the Ejiao and kills bacteria within it, making this method optimal.
Methods for Preparing Ejiao
Hot Water Dissolution Method
Grind Ejiao into powder. Place an appropriate amount of powder in a bowl, add rock sugar to taste, then pour freshly boiled water over it. Stir continuously until both Ejiao and rock sugar fully dissolve.
Yellow Wine Soaking Method
Crush the whole piece of donkey-hide gelatin. Pour yellow wine equal to or slightly larger than the volume of the gelatin into the bowl. Soak for one to two days until the gelatin softens.
Optimal Soaking Duration for Ejiao
Soaking time varies depending on the temperature and state of the Ejiao.
1. Powdered Ejiao requires only a few hours of soaking in rice wine.
2. For crushed Ejiao pieces soaked in rice wine, refrigerate for 48 hours when temperatures are high.
3. At lower temperatures, soak for one to two days until no hard lumps remain.
What Are the Effects of Different Soaking Methods?

Boiling Method: Enhances blood nourishment and tonification.

Rice Wine Soaking Method: Softens the Ejiao for easier consumption.

Powdered Method: Ideal for those who dislike the texture of Ejiao.
3. At lower temperatures, soak for one to two days until no hard lumps remain.
What are the effects of different soaking methods?
Boiling Water Method
Nourishes and replenishes blood, moistens yin and alleviates dryness. Also eases nervous tension, aids insomnia and cough/asthma, and moistens lungs to relieve coughing.
Yellow Wine Soaking Method
Nourishes blood and warms the body, dispels uterine cold, regulates menstruation and alleviates pain, prevents aging, and alleviates symptoms like cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold, and susceptibility to colds.
Precautions for Soaking Ejiao
1. Improper storage during soaking, such as at high room temperature, may lead to bacterial growth and spoilage.
2. When soaking with rice wine, use a covered container. If unavailable, wrap tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap to prevent bacterial contamination.
3. When melting with boiling water, avoid stirring to ensure even melting. Stirring may cause uneven melting at the bottom, compromising the quality of the melted gelatin.
4. Use the same small container for both heating and soaking the donkey-hide gelatin to avoid waste when transferring it after soaking.