The main ingredient in this tea are Chinese jujubes, which are also known as Chinese red dates. These are dried dates that have been consumed in China for years and are different from the regularly seen medjool dates here in the US. These jujubes are said to have a calming effect that eases tension and aids in promoting sleep so that one has motivation for the next day.
When purchasing these dates, or jujubes, try to buy the ones without seeds. The seeds need to be removed in this recipe because some say they can have a toxic affect if left in. These dates can readily be found in most Asian grocery stores.
To watch a video on how to make this Chinese date tea at home click here.
10 jujubes (Chinese dried red dates)
3 cups hot water
Honey to sweeten
- If the jujubes (dates) still have seeds in them remove them by cutting down the center of each date and pulling the seed out with your fingers. This will be a bit more difficult than removing the seed from fresh dates since the meat of the date is dried and sticks to the seed. You can use a small pairing knife as well to remove the seed.
- Once the seeds are removed, place the water and the jujubes in a medium pot that has a tight fitting lid. Turn the heat to high, cover, and let them cook until the water comes to a boil.
- When the water boils turn the heat down to low, keep them covered and let them simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes turn the heat off and without removing the lid let it sit for 20 minutes. Don’t worry the tea will still be nice and hot after 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes carefully remove the lid and pour out cups of the hot tea. Now some people like to serve this with the jujubes in it, but I usually just have serve it without.
- Once the tea is poured each person can add in the amount of honey that they prefer. Sugar can also be used in this tea as well as no sweetener at all. Makes 3 to 4 cups of stress relieving tea.
