Warming Jujube and Ginger Tea
Homemade Jujube and Ginger Tea: Your Winter Wellness Booster!
As the winter chill sets in, who else finds themselves craving a warm cup of tea that not only comforts but also helps ward off colds? I know I do! This year, I’ve been focusing on foods that support immunity, and this recipe is a perfect fit. Today, we’ll learn how to make a delicious Jujube and Ginger Tea using the leftover pieces from making candied ginger. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy, homemade beverage during the colder months.
Ingredients- Ripe Jujubes (Chinese dates)
- Fresh Ginger
- Sugar (granulated or brown)
- Honey
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Leftover pieces of ginger from making candied ginger might not have the most uniform shape, making them less ideal for some uses. Instead of discarding them, you can finely mince these ginger pieces and freeze them for later use in stir-fries or broths. Alternatively, as we’ll do today, you can combine them with jujubes, sugar, or honey to create a delightful Jujube and Ginger Tea base.
Step 2
Gather all the oddly shaped ginger pieces and mince them as finely as possible. The smaller the mince, the more effectively the ginger’s flavor and beneficial compounds will infuse into the tea.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the jars for our ready-to-brew tea ingredients. Sterilize two small glass jars by placing them upside down in boiling water. Use tongs to carefully remove the hot jars. Once removed, place them upside down on a clean surface. The residual heat will dry the inside of the jars as you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 4
Add a tablespoon of sugar to the bottom of each sterilized jar. If using fresh jujubes, they will release more moisture. However, since I’m using dried jujubes, I filled the jar generously with them first, then layered the minced ginger on top.
Step 5
The beautiful combination of jujubes and ginger looks so inviting, you could almost eat it with a spoon! Store these jars in the refrigerator. When you feel a chill, simply take out a jar, add hot water, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes to create a richly flavored Jujube and Ginger Tea.
Step 6
Sprinkle about two tablespoons of sugar over the top of the layered ingredients. I used this amount to balance the sweetness from the jujubes while ensuring good preservation.
Step 7
Since dried jujubes and minced ginger may lack sufficient moisture, drizzle a bit of honey over the top. Let the jars sit at room temperature for a while to allow some moisture to release before transferring them to the refrigerator. This helps to kickstart the infusion and preservation process.
Step 8
The sugar and honey might take a little time to dissolve completely. When you’re ready for a cup, empty the contents of one jar into a teapot, add plenty of water, and bring it to a boil. Your delicious Jujube and Ginger Tea will be ready! You can adjust the simmering time based on the color of the brew. Since sugar is already included, there’s no need to add extra sweetness.
Step 9
This method prepares the ingredients for immediate brewing, rather than making a concentrated syrup (cheong). The sugar and honey act as natural preservatives, so it’s best to brew and consume the tea within about a week. Start by boiling over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for at least 30 minutes. If you have a fine-mesh sieve, strain the liquid to enjoy a clear, flavorful tea.
Step 10
Pour the prepared Jujube and Ginger Tea ingredients into a pot and add the desired amount of water to begin brewing.
Step 11
Notice the lovely, rich color of the tea as it brews. Because the ginger is finely minced, you’ll experience a wonderfully intense ginger flavor.
Step 12
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it starts bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. Allowing sufficient simmering time is key to extracting the full flavor and aroma from the ingredients.
Step 13
Place a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl or another pot and carefully strain the brewed Jujube and Ginger Tea liquid.
Step 14
The resulting tea boasts a beautiful, deep color, along with the perfect balance of zesty ginger and sweet jujube notes. Today, we’ve explored a detailed method for making this comforting and healthy Jujube and Ginger Tea.
