Chrysanthemum Goji Longan Tea
This Chrysanthemum Goji Longan Tea (菊花杞子桂圓茶) just needs 4-ingredient. It’s a wellness tea that is floral, earthy, and naturally sweet, and it honestly couldn’t be easier to make. My mom introduced it to us and it’s perfect for a cool day.
When my mom visited a few months ago, she made this tea for my sister during her postpartum recovery. It’s a healthy wellness tea that’s great for anyone, but especially beneficial after postpartum. Bryan and I tried it too and really enjoyed it. And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With the weather cooling down, it’s the perfect time to sit back and enjoy a warm cup.
This tea is floral, earthy, and fruity, all without any added sugar. The recipe only requires an insulated water bottle or cup and 4 ingredients. All of the ingredients are dried fruits and flowers.
Here are the ingredients:
Dried Jujube 紅棗
Fresh jujube tastes like an apple, crisp and mildly sweet. When dried, it takes on a sweet, caramel-like flavor. Before using, soak them in water for 15 minutes and remove the seeds with scissors. They’re commonly used in Chinese cooking.
Dried Longan Pulp 龍眼肉/桂圓肉
Longan is called “dragon eye” in Cantonese, and it’s one of my favorite fruits. It’s juicy and lightly sweet, similar to a lychee but less sweet. When dried, it takes on a flavor a bit like a date.
Dried Goji Berries 杞子/枸杞
Goji berries are typically sold dried and have a flavor similar to cranberries. They’re very nutritious and have become increasingly common in Western countries in recent years. They can be eaten just like that or soak for a bit to use in smoothies or soups.
Dried Chrysanthemum 菊花
I love chrysanthemum tea. It’s floral and wonderfully aromatic. It’s the most prominent flavor in this tea.
Even though there is no added sugar, the dried fruits give the tea a gentle natural sweetness. It’s wonderfully aromatic and floral from the chrysanthemum, with a fruity, caramel note reminiscent of fig from all the dried fruits. Bryan said that it’s not sweet at all, but I think it has a very mild sweetness. Either way, this tea is really comforting on a cool day and is said to help relieve tiredness and calm the mind. Make this in the morning and enjoy it throughout the day. I hope you give it a try!
Chrysanthemum Goji Longan Tea 菊花杞子桂圓茶
Ingredients
- 3 dried jujube 紅棗
- 8 dried longan pulp 龍眼肉/桂圓肉
- 15 dried goji berries 杞子/枸杞
- 20 dried chrysanthemum 菊花
- 2 cups hot boiling water
Equipment
- 1 18-ounce insulated water bottle or cup
Instructions
- Rinse the dried jujube under running water. Put them in a small bowl with tap water. Soak for 15 minutes. Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut the jujube in half and cut out the seed. Discard the seeds.3 dried jujube 紅棗
- In a medium bowl, fill with tap water and add dried longan pulp. Stir a few times to remove dirt and dust. Strain and set aside. Repeat with the dried goji berries and dried chrysanthemum.8 dried longan pulp 龍眼肉/桂圓肉, 15 dried goji berries 杞子/枸杞, 20 dried chrysanthemum 菊花
- Put all the ingredients in the bottle. Bring the water to a boil and pour into the bottle. Steep for 2 – 4 hours. Enjoy while hot, but be careful as it's very hot. If desired, refill with more boiling water and steep again.2 cups hot boiling water
Notes
- I got all the ingredients from a Chinese supermarket, 168 market. You can also find them on Amazon.
- The bottle I used was 18 ounces. It doesn’t have to be exact. Use one that is slightly bigger or smaller will work, just adjust the water amount if using a smaller one. The flavor won’t change too much.
- The tea should be enjoyed within a few hours once steeped. The ingredients should only be used on the same day.
