Salted Kumquat Tea

Why people make this tea

This is about as simple as a wellness tea gets. Salted kumquats are a Hong Kong pantry staple, and Nourilo’s salted kumquat tea is traditionally said to clear heat, ease dryness, calm an inflamed throat and help bring the voice back. It is a go-to for a cold-related sore throat, hoarseness or cough — and it comes together in a couple of minutes.

Method

1. Put a little crushed slab sugar in a cup.
2. Add 4 salted kumquats and pour over boiling water.
3. Mash the kumquats with a spoon, then sip warm.

Nourilo’s Tips

Salted kumquat tea is traditionally said to clear heat, ease dryness, soothe inflammation and help open the voice, useful for cold-related throat pain, hoarseness and cough. Do not pair it with milk. To make your own salted kumquats: wash and air-dry the fruit for a day or two, then layer in a large glass jar — a layer of coarse salt, a layer of kumquats — until about 80% full, keeping a layer of salt on top so any floating fruit doesn’t mold; store in a cool place for a year before using.