Passion Fruit, Green Tea & Honey Drink

Why people make this drink

Passion fruit originated in South America but has become a beloved tropical fruit across Asia. Beyond its intensely fruity aroma — which combines notes of banana, pineapple, strawberry, lychee, lemon, mango, and more — it has long been valued in folk wellness for its calming, almost sedative quality. Science has started to catch up: passion fruit contains compounds that interact with the nervous system, supporting relaxation. For people who experience stomach tension, bloating, or headaches when stressed or anxious, this drink is a lovely daily ritual. Combined with the antioxidant richness of green tea and the soothing quality of honey, it is also a delightful hot-weather cooler.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults; people with weak digestion can still enjoy this drink
• Particularly helpful for those who experience bloating or stomach discomfort related to stress or anxiety
• Traditionally associated with supporting people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular concerns
• Honey should not be given to children under 18 months
• This is a one-person serving; scale as needed

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Passion fruit (bai xiang guo): In Chinese food therapy, passion fruit is considered to generate fluids, moisten the intestines, support bowel regularity, nourish the blood, and calm the spirit. It is also described as a natural sedative — supporting the body’s ability to relax during periods of tension. Its natural acids may also support healthy digestion.
• Green tea: Rich in antioxidants (catechins) and the amino acid L-theanine, which is known for its calming, focus-enhancing properties without causing drowsiness. In Chinese food therapy, green tea is associated with clearing heat and supporting mental clarity.
• Honey: A gentle natural sweetener that also supports the stomach lining and has mild antimicrobial properties. It rounds out the tartness of the passion fruit and binds the drink together.

Ingredients (1 serving)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Passion fruit	half a fruit	Scoop out the pulp and seeds
Green tea leaves	1 teaspoon	Loose leaf preferred
Honey	to taste	Add after water cools slightly
Hot water	1 cup (~200 ml)	Slightly cooled (not boiling) for best tea

Method

1. Place the green tea leaves in a cup or teapot.
2. Pour in hot water (about 85–90°C) and steep for 2–3 minutes.
3. Scoop the pulp from half a passion fruit directly into the cup of tea.
4. Stir in honey to taste.
5. Drink warm, or allow to cool for a refreshing cold version.

Bro Niu’s tips

This is one person’s serving. For the best flavour, let the tea steep and cool slightly before adding the honey — very hot water can damage the beneficial enzymes in raw honey. The passion fruit seeds are edible and can be left in or strained out according to preference. On a hot summer’s day this drink is wonderfully refreshing: cooling, slightly sweet-sour, and genuinely uplifting. People with high blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns who are on blood-thinning medication can still enjoy passion fruit — simply strain out the seeds first through a fine sieve and use just the juice.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (ching yi): I have coronary heart disease and am on blood-thinning medication — how should I eat passion fruit? Bro Niu: Scoop out the passion fruit pulp and strain through a coffee filter or fine sieve to get just the juice. You can stir in 2 teaspoons of chia seeds and dilute with warm water. This is beneficial for people with coronary heart disease and is safe to take alongside medication.

• Q (WAI): Can people with a weak spleen and stomach drink this tea? Bro Niu: Yes, people with a weak spleen and stomach can drink this.

• Q (KAMWAI): I tend toward loose stools — is honey safe to add? Bro Niu: Honey actually has a dual action — it has a gentle laxative effect but also helps suppress certain gut bacteria including E. coli. It is fine to include.

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Published May 11, 2017 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.