Sweet-Cherry Hawthorn and Rose Tea

Why people make this tea

Hawthorn usually means sour — so much so that hawthorn treats almost always need sugar. But Nourilo found a sweet, non-sour kind at a farm-direct shop: tiny “sweet-cherry hawthorn” from the northeast, rarely seen, and a real bargain at twelve yuan a box. Brewed with rosebuds, it makes a tea traditionally associated with soothing the liver, lifting a low mood, and calming the mind. This variety tastes a bit like apple — not sour at all — so it’s gentle even for people with excess stomach acid. It’s also traditionally regarded as beneficial for those with high blood lipids or high blood pressure.

Method

1. Wash the hawthorn and cut each in half.
2. Simmer in 900 ml of water for 20 minutes, reducing to 300 ml.
3. While still hot, add the rosebuds and brown sugar, cover, and steep 5 minutes. Drink.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is fragrant and lovely even without sugar, and is traditionally regarded as beneficial for people with poor digestion.