Longan, Red Date & Goji Berry Tea

In Chinese and some Southeast Asian Chinese households, dried longan, red dates, and goji berries are familiar ingredients in drinks prepared during the postpartum month. Every family has its own combinations; there is no single standard recipe for “postpartum tea.” This version brings together the fruity sweetness of dried longan and red dates, a handful of goji berries, and a little fresh ginger. Preparing a pot for a new parent can be a simple, everyday expression of care.

Traditional recipe shared by Evelyn West and Cooings Doula Care.

Looking for more ideas to share with a new parent? Explore our postpartum recipe collection.

Longan, Red Date & Goji Berry Tea

Evelyn West

This version brings together dried longan, Chinese red dates, goji berries, and fresh ginger. Preparing a pot for a new parent can be a simple expression of care.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 small servings

Ingredients

  

• 50 g dried longan flesh shells and pits removed
• 6–8 dried Chinese red dates (jujubes) pitted and cut into strips
• 15 g dried goji berries
• About 10 g fresh ginger thinly sliced
• 1 liter water
• rock sugar optional

Instructions

 

• Rinse the dried longan, prepared red dates, goji berries, and ginger. Place them in a saucepan with the water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the tea is amber-colored and fragrant.
• Taste before adding the optional rock sugar; the dried fruit already gives the tea some sweetness.
• Remove the ginger slices and divide among cups. You can serve the softened longan, dates, and goji berries with the tea, or strain them out. Let cool to a comfortable drinking temperature before serving.

Notes

Use dried Chinese red dates, also called jujubes, rather than Medjool or other date-palm dates. This infusion contains no tea leaves. For a gentler flavor, use less ginger or add more water.

Shopping terms: dried longan flesh or meat; dried jujubes or Chinese red dates; goji berries. Look for these at Asian grocery stores or online.

Listen While This Simmers

While the tea simmers, listen to Golden Month Postpartum Care for More Support After Birth. Evelyn West talks about Golden Month traditions and practical ways to care for a new parent after birth.

For more recipes and practical ideas for the weeks after birth, subscribe to the Fourth Trimester Podcast Newsletter.

The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.