Water Chestnut, Sugarcane and Carrot Water

Why people make this drink

Come spring, the body’s yang energy rises along with the warming weather — and in Cantonese food therapy, this is the season to drink gentle, heat-clearing broths as a daily wellness habit. This three-ingredient combination has been used for generations as a folk remedy for what traditional medicine calls “internal heat”: symptoms like red or irritated eyes, dry mouth and throat, scanty or dark-yellow urine, and difficulty passing stools. It is especially popular for children during the warmer months, and works equally well for adults. The beauty of this drink is its simplicity — the sweetness of the sugarcane and water chestnut means no added sugar is needed, and it tastes almost like a naturally sweet herbal tea.

Method

1. Peel the water chestnuts and slice them.
2. Scrub the sugarcane thoroughly on the outside; then split the stalk open lengthwise. Inspect the cut surface — if it looks red or has white cottony fibres inside, the cane has turned and should not be used.
3. Peel the carrot and slice it.
4. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.1–2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to 1.2–1.5 L.
6. The whole family can drink this as a daily wellness beverage.

Nourilo’s Tips

• When buying sugarcane, try to find unpeeled stalks — they look rough on the outside but are perfectly fine once scrubbed clean. Scrub with a brush and rinse well before use. If the interior looks reddish or has white cottony strands, discard it.
• This drink is naturally sweet and gentle enough to be used as an everyday health beverage, not just during illness.
• A small amount of dried winter melon candy (tang dong gua) can be added for extra flavour.
• For children who have just had vaccinations, this drink can help clear internal heat and reduce post-vaccination discomfort.