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Winter Melon Tea

A light and naturally sweet Asian tea made from winter melon, rock sugar, red dates, and goji berries; caffeine-free and ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound winter melon peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 to 4 ounces rock sugar or adjust to taste
  • 6 cups water filtered or tap
  • 3 to 4 dried red dates jujubes, pitted
  • 1 tablespoon goji berries optional
  • 2 to 3 slices dried ginger optional
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Large pot (at least 2 quarts)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl (for soaking dried ingredients)

Method
 

  1. Cut the winter melon in half, scoop out seeds, peel the skin, and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Place the dried red dates and goji berries in a small bowl, cover with warm water, and soak for 3 minutes; then drain.
  3. Fill a large pot with 6 cups of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat (about 212°F).
  4. Add the winter melon cubes to the boiling water, stir gently, and allow the water to return to a boil.
  5. Stir in the rock sugar, drained red dates, goji berries, dried ginger slices, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the tea gently for 15 minutes, ensuring a steady simmer but not a vigorous boil.
  7. Taste the tea and add additional rock sugar if you prefer it sweeter, stirring to dissolve.
  8. Strain the tea through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher, reserving the melon pieces in the pot if desired.
  9. Serve the tea warm immediately, or let it cool to room temperature and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving cold.

Notes

The cooked winter melon pieces can be eaten as a light snack or added to desserts.