Nourilo

Herbal & Flower Teas

American Ginseng, Green Apple, Goji Berry and Longan Tea

traditionally associated with boosting energy, nourishing blood, easing mild low mood, and supporting restful sleep

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Total
30 min
Makes
2 cups
Sleep & CalmEnergy & VitalityBlood NourishmentEveryday Balance
American Ginseng, Green Apple, Goji Berry and Longan Tea

Why people make this tea

Green apples are easy to underestimate. Compared to their sweeter counterparts, they feel purposeful — tart, crisp, with a clean fragrance that brightens a room when you slice into one. Nourilo came to appreciate them after experimenting with a lemongrass and green apple tea for joint support, and now uses them regularly in wellness drinks. Their high pectin content is associated with helping the body eliminate heavy metals and environmental toxins, and in Chinese food-therapy tradition, green fruit corresponds to the liver — so green apple is linked with liver nourishment and a gentle anti-depressant quality.

Paired with American ginseng, goji berries, and longan, this tea covers the key bases for emotional and energy support: ginseng for replenishing qi, goji for the blood and eyes, longan for calming the heart-mind. The result is a warm drink that tastes pleasantly of tart apple with a sweet herbal finish — something you’d genuinely want to make and sit with.

Method

  1. Briefly soak the whole green apple in hot water, then rinse thoroughly to remove surface wax and pesticide residue.
  2. Rinse the goji berries in cold water.
  3. Slice the green apple and remove the core. Leave the skin on.
  4. Place the apple slices, goji berries, and longan flesh in a pot with 1.2 L of water.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until reduced to about 600 ml.
  6. Add the rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
  7. Remove from heat. Add the American ginseng slices and allow to steep in the hot liquid for 2–3 minutes (ginseng is delicate and benefits from a lower temperature).
  8. Serve warm and drink directly.

Nourilo’s Tips

Apple skin is genuinely nutritious — rich in fibre and antioxidants — so it is worth keeping it on. The key step is the hot-water soak to remove surface wax and pesticide residue before cooking. For a family portion, simply double all the ingredients. The tart-sweet flavour is pleasant for adults and children alike.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the American ginseng added at the end rather than simmered with the other ingredients?

The recipe notes that ginseng is delicate and benefits from a lower temperature. Once the pot is removed from the heat, the slices are added and left to steep in the hot liquid for just 2 to 3 minutes rather than being boiled.

Should I remove the apple skin before cooking?

No — the recipe recommends leaving the skin on, as it is rich in fibre and antioxidants. The important step is to first soak the whole apple briefly in hot water and rinse it thoroughly to remove surface wax and pesticide residue.

What is each ingredient traditionally associated with in this tea?

In Chinese food-therapy tradition, American ginseng is linked with replenishing qi, goji berries with nourishing the blood and supporting the eyes, and longan with calming the heart-mind. Green apple is associated with liver nourishment and a gentle anti-depressant quality in that same tradition.

How much does this recipe make, and can it be scaled up for a family?

The recipe yields approximately 2 cups, described as 1 serving. To make enough for the whole family, simply double all the ingredients.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this tea?

Preparation takes about 10 minutes and cooking takes 20 minutes, for a total time of around 30 minutes. The liquid is simmered until it reduces from 1.2 litres down to approximately 600 ml.

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