Black Goji and Dried Longan Tea

Why people make this tea

A friend brought me back a jar of black goji from her travels, and the colour it gives off in the cup is genuinely beautiful. Black goji is sometimes called “soft gold” — it is rich in anthocyanins and other antioxidant compounds, and is traditionally valued for nourishing qi and blood and building a sturdier constitution. I add a handful of dried longan for a clean, sweet flavour; longan is traditionally associated with nourishing the heart and spleen and calming the mind.

Method

1. Place the black goji and dried longan in a pot and rinse once with warm water.
2. Pour in warm water and let steep for about 10 minutes before drinking.
3. Re-steep until the colour fades.

Nourilo’s Tips

The anthocyanins in black goji can be damaged by very hot water, so brew with warm water rather than boiling. Taken regularly, it is traditionally said to strengthen the constitution and help fend off chills and colds.