Green Papaya, Green Tea & Coconut Water Drink

Why people make this drink

Gout is a painful condition caused by uric acid crystals accumulating in the joints, and managing it requires careful attention to diet — avoiding high-purine foods like organ meats, shellfish, beer, mushrooms, and legumes, and keeping well hydrated. This simple stewed drink has been used in Chinese folk wellness as a dietary support measure for people managing gout. Those who drink it consistently for two weeks have reported going many months without a flare-up, though individual results vary significantly.

Method

1. Wash the green papaya well; leave the skin on, remove the seeds, and cut into small chunks.
2. Place the green papaya, green tea leaves, and coconut water together in a double-boiler (zhun zhong, or a heatproof container set in a larger pot of water).
3. Steam over double-boiler for 1 hour.
4. Drink the liquid warm; eat some of the cooked papaya as well.

Nourilo’s Tips

The tea variety is flexible — use whatever green or semi-oxidised tea you have: jasmine, longjing, oolong, or tie guan yin all work well. If using a whole fresh young coconut, you may find it easier to have it cracked open at the shop when you purchase it, or look for pre-cracked fresh coconut water at Asian grocery stores. The coconut flesh can be used separately in soups — it is nourishing and good for the spleen and lungs. For best results, drink this consistently for 2 weeks, or during high-risk periods, as part of a balanced diet.