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As temperatures drop and the trees change colors, warm drinks become essential in fall and winter. This season, venture beyond your pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider and enjoy a cup of jujube tea. Consisting of only four ingredients, this tea is as easy to make as it is tasty.
Jujube fruit is the star of this tea. Sometimes called Chinese, Indian, or Korean dates, jujubes are like small red dates. However, unlike their Medjool counterparts, jujubes do not have a rich, caramel flavor. They are more subtly sweet and have a tart tanginess. These notes become very pronounced when the jujubes are reduced in tea.
Not only is this beverage incredibly flavorful, but it also has numerous health benefits. Coupled with ginger, jujube tea is packed with vitamin C, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. It can reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels, aid those struggling with stomach problems, and improve skin appearance. For those struggling with anxiety or sleep problems, drinking jujube tea can also help lower stress hormone levels and relax the mind and body.
The ingredients for jujube tea are easily accessible, but one might not know where to look for the actual jujubes. You can likely find the dried fruit at any Asian grocery store. I am lucky enough to have a grandma in Los Angeles who grows jujubes in her backyard, and she sent my family some of her harvest to make this delicious tea. I was surprised by the simplicity of the instructions, and I have already made it several times. If you are looking for a warm, spiced drink perfect for autumn, you should too.
This recipe makes five cups of tea and can be refrigerated for up to two weeks (cold jujube tea is also fantastic and very refreshing)
Ingredients
Five cups of water
Five jujubes
One knob of ginger
Honey or sweetener
Directions
- Peel the ginger and slice it into ⅛ inch pieces
- Split jujubes in half or cut them in half and remove pits
- Put the five slices of ginger, jujubes, and water in a pot
- Bring the pot to a boil
- When the pot boils, lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes
- Strain the tea
- Adjust for sweetness with honey or other sweetener
- Serve in cups immediately, garnish with a piece of date and enjoy
