Chinese Chrysanthemum Goji Herbal Tea (Juhua Gouqi Cha)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse 12 g dried chrysanthemum flowers, 25 g sliced red dates, and 20 g goji berries under cold running water in a fine strainer to clear dust. Set a 1.5-liter saucepan on the counter.

2. 2

   Pour 1000 ml cold water into the saucepan and add the rinsed red dates. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to release the sweetness of the dates.

3. 3

   Add 30 g rock sugar and 12 g dried chrysanthemum flowers into the pot. Stir gently with a wooden spoon over medium-low heat for 3 minutes until the sugar melts completely. If water evaporates quickly, add a splash of warm water.

4. 4

   Stir in 4 g loose green tea leaves and 20 g goji berries. Lower the heat to low and keep at a very gentle simmer for 2 minutes. Avoid boiling heavily at this point so the tea leaves do not release harsh bitterness.

5. 5

   Turn off the heat completely and remove the saucepan from the hot burner. Cover with a lid and let the herbal mixture steep off the heat for 5 minutes to combine all the delicate botanical flavors.

6. 6

   Strain the warm tea through a fine-mesh sieve into serving cups or a glass teapot, leaving a few softened goji berries in each cup for presentation. Serve hot alongside warm meatball noodle soup.