Dried Lychee Red Date Tea

Why people make this tea

When summer arrives, fresh lychees disappear from the market almost as fast as they appear. Nourilo enjoys buying dried lychees out of season — they have a concentrated sweetness and, in traditional food-therapy terms, are considered to have even stronger nourishing properties than the fresh fruit. Paired with red dates, which are one of the most well-known blood-building ingredients in Chinese food therapy, this becomes a simple, pleasant daily tea.

Dried lychee is rich in iron and copper, making it traditionally associated with replenishing blood. It is also thought to support cognitive function and brighten the complexion over time. Women who feel physically depleted, pale, or who are recovering from illness or surgery may find this tea a gentle daily habit.

Method

1. Shell the dried lychees and remove the stones.
2. Pit the red dates and slice them.
3. Place all ingredients in a teapot or heatproof cup.
4. Pour a small amount of boiling water over the ingredients to rinse; discard the rinse water.
5. Add fresh boiling water to fill the pot; cover and steep for 10 minutes.
6. Pour into cups and drink warm. Eat the softened lychee and date pieces along with the tea.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is warm and mildly sweet — a comforting daily drink, especially on cooler days. It is best enjoyed with the soaked fruit eaten alongside. The warm and tonifying nature of both lychee and red dates means that people who already run warm (hot palms, night sweats, thirst) should avoid this one. Diabetics should also skip it as both ingredients are naturally high in sugar.