Oil-Gan Zi (Indian Gooseberry) Green Tea

Why people make this tea

Oil-gan zi (Indian gooseberry, also known as amla or you gan zi) is a fruit with an intriguing character: initially sour and astringent on the palate, yet it leaves a pleasant lingering sweetness in the mouth afterwards — which is what gives the fruit its Cantonese name “oil-gan” (余甘, meaning lingering sweetness). It is especially welcome after the rich, festive eating that comes with Chinese New Year or any period of heavier meals. It should not be eaten in large amounts at once, but steeped with green or oolong tea, it makes a refreshing post-meal drink that is traditionally associated with clearing accumulated food stagnation, supporting digestion of fatty foods, and over time, supporting fat metabolism and weight management.