Red date, goji berry and longan tea

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• Red date, goji berry and longan tea

I first learned of red date, goji berry and longan tea from RedNote (Xiaohongshu), the Chinese social media app that made waves during the TikTok controversy in the United States. While American politicians were busy demonstrating that coherence is entirely optional for those in public office, the RedNote algorithm was introducing me to new (to me) and wonderful gustatory experiences.

For some time my feed was populated with Traditional Chinese Medicine students brewing teas from various fresh and dried foods. I found myself completely drawn to these posts, not for any health reasons, but because I was mesmerised by the seemingly infinite combination of ingredients. They looked simple, made with ingredients I recognised (for the most part) and, most importantly, like things I'd enjoy drinking.

This tea includes just four ingredients in addition to water: red dates (jujube), dried longan pulp, goji berries (also called wolfberry), and rock sugar. The red dates provide a caramel-like tone, while the longan adds a floral, honeyed note. Goji berries add minimal tartness for balance.

All of the ingredients can be sourced from Chinese supermarkets. You can use demerara or granulated white sugar in place of the rock sugar if you'd like, or omit it altogether.