What Does 'Value for Money' Actually Mean?
No Double 11, no Black Friday, no discounts. Carmen explains what she actually means by value for money, and her shop's anniversary draw instead.
How to Choose Cordyceps: 5 Things Carmen Checks
Longer head isn't better -- it's the opposite. Carmen walks through the checks she uses at the counter: head length, smell, color, eyes, and size.
What Makes Tongjiang Snow Fungus One in Six Thousand
Cultivated snow fungus has a hard base; Tongjiang snow fungus grows wild on deadwood and falls off before it gets this big. Here's how Carmen tells them apart.
Nine Steams, Nine Sun-Dries: Why Carmen Only Sells Export-Grade Huangjing
Huangjing, not to be confused with gold despite the similar name, goes through nine rounds of steaming and sun-drying. Here's why Carmen only stocks the export grade.
Why Carmen Never Negotiates Her Suppliers' Prices Down
Carmen says she's never once pushed a supplier's price down -- and that's exactly why they bring her their best stock.
No Five-Point Core? It's Probably Not Xinhui Tangerine Peel
Real Xinhui peel has a five-point core and dense oil glands you can see without even holding it to the light. Here's how Carmen checks.