Mulberry Rock Sugar Tea

Why people make this tea

In the food-therapy tradition mulberries are valued to nourish the liver and blood, darken the hair and brighten the eyes. Preserved or dried mulberries are available at Chinese herb shops and Asian grocers, or online. This easy mulberry rock-sugar tea is a gentle, sweet way to enjoy them, traditionally favored by those who feel run-down, sleep poorly, or are recovering after illness or childbirth.

Method

1. Place the mulberries in a pot with about 1.5 L of water.
2. Simmer for about 40 minutes until reduced to roughly 900 ml.
3. Stir in rock sugar until dissolved, then serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is gentle and well-suited to older people; those who feel frazzled and worn out can sip it over a longer period with little downside. But if you have a cold, weak digestion with diarrhea, skip it. Because mulberries are rich in tannins that can block iron and calcium absorption, children should not have too much, and never use unripe fruit.