Ginger Tangerine Peel Persimmon Honey Tea

Why people make this tea

Dried persimmon cake (shi bing) is a winter staple in many Chinese households — simply fresh persimmon that has been slowly sun-dried until it develops a sweet white powdery coating. It is milder and more nourishing than fresh persimmon, and is traditionally considered safe even for infants. Combined with the warming power of fresh ginger and the qi-moving ability of tangerine peel, then slow-steamed in honey, this remedy creates a spoonful-at-a-time treatment for cold-pattern coughing and wheezing.

The specific presentation described in this recipe — called “Gongcheng persimmon cake” — comes from Guangxi and is recognisable by its square-shaped stem cap (most others are round or triangular). But any good-quality dried persimmon will work.