What Is the Difference Between Coix Seed and Job's Tears? Explained Clearly in One Article

The seed kernel of Coix lacryma-jobi is one of China's traditional food resources. It can be made into porridge, rice, and various flour-based foods for people to eat. It is sweet and bland in taste and slightly cold in nature, and has the effects of strengthening the spleen and draining dampness, clearing heat and discharging pus, and beautifying the skin. Many people are unclear about the difference between coix seed and Job's tears. Let's take a look together below!

Is There a Difference Between Coix Seed and Job's Tears?

There is no difference between coix seed and Job's tears. Coix seed is Job's tears, the seed kernel of the grass-family plant Coix lacryma-jobi (Job's tears). It grows in warm, humid field edges and mountain valley streams, and is fairly common below 2000 m in altitude. It has very high nutritional value and is hailed as the "king of the world's grass-family plants." In Europe, it is called "the grain of life and health."

What Are the Other Names for Coix Seed? ⟧7⟧Yimi, yiyiren, yiren, liuguzi, yaoyumi, shuiyumi, wannianzhu, liugumi, shisuzi, yimi, miren, liugu, chuangu, putizi, and so on.

Coix seed, coix kernel, Job's tears seed, liuguzi, medicinal corn, water corn, late rosary bead, liugumi, stone millet, yimi, miren, liugu, chuangu, bodhi seed, etc.

How to Identify Coix Seed

1. Look: Glossy, plump grains that are grayish-white and yellowish-white are top-grade. Smaller coix seeds have higher nutritional value than larger ones.

2. Smell: When buying Job's tears, give them a sniff. Job's tears with a fresh, light fragrance are fresher. Those that smell bitter and fishy are generally old grain, and those with a musty smell must not be bought.

3. Pinch: When buying Job's tears, pinch them with your hand. Hard and smooth ones are better. Some Job's tears feel powdery when pinched and shed crumbs, so they are not good grain.

4. Price: Large-grain Job's tears are not as nutritious as small-grain ones. You can try to choose small-grain ones. Although the price is a bit higher, their medicinal value is high.