Chinese Olive and Rock Sugar Water

Why people make this water

Green Chinese olives are humble but kind to the throat — chew one and it tastes a little sour and astringent at first, then turns sweet. Traditionally they are associated with clearing heat, soothing the throat and generating fluids. Nourilo brews them with a little rock sugar into a simple, comforting water, traditionally enjoyed for a sore, scratchy throat and frequent cough.

Method

1. Rinse the Chinese olives and crush them lightly.
2. Simmer in 1.5 L of water for about 45 minutes.
3. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved; serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Chinese olive is called the “lung and stomach fruit.” When buying, whether from Chinese or Asian grocers or online, watch out for olives that look unnaturally bright green — they may have been soaked in alum water, which is heating and unhelpful for a sore throat.