Herbal & Flower Teas
Roasted Barley Tea
Traditionally clears summer heat, supports digestion and calms
Why people make this tea
Bro Niu here. The other day my sister and brother-in-law took me to a little Beijing-style spot for crispy duck and wonton chicken soup, and the waiter brought over a big pot of barley tea — wonderfully fragrant, and just the thing in this summer heat. We three ate until we were full, and the barley tea helped settle things so nobody felt over-stuffed. I liked it so much I decided to buy some barley, roast it at home, and keep it on hand to brew whenever I like. Best of all, it has no caffeine, tannins or other stimulants, so it is gentle even for night owls on a day off.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a fragrant, caffeine-free drink in hot weather
- Fine for young and old
- Barley tea is traditionally believed to reduce milk supply, so breastfeeding mothers should avoid it
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Roasted barley (da mai): Caffeine-free and traditionally associated with easing summer heat, supporting digestion and helping to settle the mind for restful sleep.
Ingredients (1 pot)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted barley | 2 tablespoons | Pre-roasted until fragrant |
Method
- Put the roasted barley into a teapot.
- Pour over boiling water and let it steep, covered, for 10 minutes before drinking. You can keep topping up with hot water until the flavour fades.
Bro Niu’s tips
Plenty of restaurants now serve barley tea to guests — it is fragrant, helps with the summer heat, and is caffeine-free, so it suits young and old. The one caution: because it is traditionally believed to reduce milk supply, breastfeeding mothers should skip it.
Published July 30, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 1 min read.
