Yellow Ginger, Red Date and Tangerine Peel Drink

Why people make this drink

Sanfu is the hottest stretch of summer, running from 15 July to 23 August. The first period lasts 10 days, from 15 to 24 July; the middle period lasts 20 days, from 25 July to 13 August; and the final period lasts 10 days, from 14 to 23 August. These are among the hottest days of the year, typically marked by high temperatures, low air pressure, high humidity and little wind, making the weather especially hot and stuffy.

An old saying warns against three types of food during Sanfu. The first is strongly warming, rich tonic foods such as ginseng, deer antler and ejiao; the second is ice-cold foods and drinks such as chilled watermelon, iced beer and iced milk tea; and the third is rich, greasy foods such as braised pig’s trotters, braised pork and fried foods. Traditionally, overindulging in these foods is associated with feelings of heaviness and fatigue, internal heat and irritability, and digestive discomfort.

So what should you have instead? Traditional Chinese food therapy has long followed the saying, “Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer.” Nourilo recommends ginger-based drinks in summer and uses yellow ginger here, which he considers more beneficial and nutrient-rich than ordinary fresh ginger. This yellow ginger, red date and dried tangerine peel drink is made especially for Sanfu, traditionally enjoyed to support yang and seasonal wellbeing through the hottest days.

Method

1. Wash the yellow ginger thoroughly without peeling and cut it into thin slices.
2. Remove the stones from the red dates and slice them. Soak the dried tangerine peel until soft, then cut it into thin strips.
3. Put all the ingredients into a pot with 5 bowls of water (about 1.25 L).
4. Cook for 20 minutes, reducing the liquid to 3 bowls (about 750 ml). Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

If yellow ginger isn’t available, ordinary fresh ginger works too. Keep the skin on, as Nourilo says this helps reduce the warming, drying nature of the ginger flesh. The drink is suitable for both young and old and can be enjoyed 2–3 times a week.