Wampee Leaf Tea

Why people make this tea

The wampee fruit (huang pi) is a beloved subtropical fruit native to southern China, and in Cantonese tradition, almost every part of the plant has a use. The fruit is traditionally used to ease digestion and clear phlegm; the seeds are traditionally used for swellings and discomfort; even the leaves are valued in traditional medicine. During the Lunar New Year period, bundles of wampee leaves and pomelo leaves are sold in markets — traditionally used to prepare cleansing herbal baths or freshen the home with their aromatic scent.

Nourilo spotted dried wampee leaves at a Chinese herbal grocery shop in North Point, Hong Kong — a package of about 75 g for just 10 HKD. He brewed them with a couple of honey dates, and the result was a pleasantly fragrant tea with a subtle sweetness. With flu season arriving and viruses in the air, this gentle tea — documented in Chinese literature for its volatile oils, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids — is a thoughtful everyday brew.