Herbal & Flower Teas
Salted Kumquat Tea
Traditionally clears heat and is associated with soothing a sore, hoarse throat
Why people make this tea
This is about as simple as a wellness tea gets. Salted kumquats are a Hong Kong pantry staple, and Bro Niu’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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a sore or hoarse throat or a cough from a cold.
- Do not drink milk alongside it — the milk protein and kumquat fruit acid can curdle and become hard to digest.
- Gentle enough that it can be taken on an empty stomach; readers have used it during pregnancy, though as always check with your own doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Salted kumquats (xian jin ju): kumquats are traditionally said to move qi, resolve phlegm and ease the throat and cough; the salt-preserving adds a soothing, throat-opening quality.
- Slab sugar (pian tang): a little adds gentle sweetness and warmth.
Ingredients (1 cup)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salted kumquats | 4 pieces | Crush with a spoon |
| Slab sugar, crushed | a little | |
| Boiling water | 1 cup |
Method
- Put a little crushed slab sugar in a cup.
- Add 4 salted kumquats and pour over boiling water.
- Mash the kumquats with a spoon, then sip warm.
Bro Niu’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.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Eva): I’m just over three months pregnant — can I drink salted kumquat tea? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink salted kumquat tea during pregnancy.
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Q (Min Min): I have a slightly sore throat and I’m taking Western medicine — can I still drink this? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink salted kumquat tea while taking Western medicine; no problem.
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Q (may): I have salted four-season kumquats (si ji ju) I preserved a few years ago. Do four-season kumquats have the same effect as kumquats? Bro Niu: Four-season kumquat moves qi, stops cough and opens the appetite; kumquat resolves phlegm and food stagnation and moves qi to stop cough. In practice the effects are quite similar.
Published August 26, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
