Longan, Goji, Ginger and Roasted Brown Rice Tea

Why people make this tea

This one is pure childhood nostalgia for Nourilo. Around Lunar New Year his parents would brew a big pot of red-date water for guests, sometimes adding longan and goji — sweet, comforting, and good for you. Since early spring still carries a chill, this version adds toasted brown rice and ginger to warm the stomach and chase the cold away.

Method

1. Put all the ingredients in a teapot. Rinse once with boiling water, then pour fresh boiling water over them.
2. Cover and steep for 15 minutes, then drink.

Nourilo’s Tips

To make the roasted brown rice: use three-colour, red or yellow brown rice (no need to wash), dry-toast it in a pan for about 7 minutes, then store in a glass jar and take a spoonful whenever you need it. This tea warms the stomach, dispels cold and supports the complexion. Pregnant women should not use longan — substitute red or black dates.