Longevity Tea

Though I do not know much about Chinese herbs, I've been fascinated by them for the longest time. Walking past a traditional Chinese medicine shop never fails to get me excited for the dizzying array of dried produce on display gives me an unexplainable rush. I've always enjoyed steeping some shriveled chrysanthemum or rose buds in piping hot water or munching on some wolfberries. 

This time round, I decided to be a little gutsy and purchased a Luo Han Guo on a whim not really knowing what it was for. Only upon researching, did I realise that this innocuous moss coloured ball is packed with many health benefits. Apparently, Luo Han Guo is good for coughs, heat stroke and is also  a natural sweetener making it a suitable substitute for sugar for diabetics. It is also known as the longevity fruit as the fields in which it is grown has a large proportion of people living to a ripe old age.

So, I decided to make it into a tea together with another powerhouse- wolfberries. Full of nutrients, wolfberries are also known to improve vitality and longevity. Wolfberries are also rich in phytochemicals and micronutrients making it an ideal snack for the mid afternoon slump.

Though the tea looks a murky brown, try it. It is naturally sweet and can be easily served cold for a refreshing taste. Even my picky hubby liked it - and that says a lot!

Longevity Tea

1 Luo Han Guo

30g wolfberries

1 litre of water

Sugar to taste (optional)

Method:

1) Break the Luo Han Guo and remove the hard outer covering. You will be left with a cocoon like substance with seeds in it. 

2) Drop it together with the wolfberries into a litre of water. Bring to boil.

3) Simmer for about 1/2 hour or longer. 

4) Add sugar to taste (really not quite necessary - IMHO)

5) Serve warm or chilled.