Mulberry Honey Paste

Why people make this paste

When mulberries are at their sweet, ripe best, Nourilo always buys some — to steep in wine, or to make a homemade mulberry honey for his own use. In traditional food therapy mulberries are associated with nourishing the liver and kidney, sharpening hearing and sight, calming the mind, and moistening the bowels. Cooked down with red dates and goji berries into a paste, it’s a comforting everyday tonic traditionally linked with supporting restful sleep, easing forgetfulness and ringing ears, and helping with prematurely graying or thinning hair.

Method

1. Wash the mulberries, red dates and goji berries. Pit the red dates and shred them.
2. Put the three ingredients in a pot, add water to just cover, and cook for 30 minutes; strain off the liquid.
3. Add water again to just cover, cook another half hour, and strain again. Combine the two batches of liquid.
4. Simmer over low heat until somewhat thick and syrupy, then stir in the honey until smooth.
5. Take 1 tablespoon each time, stirred into warm water, twice a day.

Nourilo’s Tips

This paste is pleasant-tasting and is also very suitable for women after childbirth or anyone recovering from a serious illness who feels weak. Taken regularly it’s traditionally said to nourish skin and complexion, making it a nice everyday tonic for middle-aged and older folk. Use the strained liquid for the paste, not the pulp.