Hearty & Sweet Homemade Jujube Paste (Jujube Tea) for the Whole Family
Boost Your Winter Immunity! How to Make Traditional Jujube Paste for Cold Prevention and Insomnia Relief
Homemade traditional jujube paste is a winter tonic that aids in urination, boosts vitality, prevents aging, promotes restful sleep, enhances liver function, calms the nerves, prevents colds, and helps with cold hands and feet. It offers the pure, deep sweetness and aroma of jujubes without artificial additives, making it an exceptionally special health drink.
Main Ingredients- 500g dried jujubes
- 1L water
- Honey (to taste)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Ginger (to taste, thinly sliced or cut into pieces)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to prepare fresh and clean dried jujubes. Dried jujubes can easily accumulate dust or impurities as they dry. To clean them, soak them in water with a little vinegar or baking soda for about 10 minutes. Afterward, rinse them thoroughly under running water until all traces of dirt are removed. Once drained, remove the stems and use the back of a knife to carefully cut around the pit, separating it from the flesh. Removing the seeds will prevent any bitterness and ensure a smooth jujube paste.
Step 2
Interestingly, the jujube seeds you separate are known to contain compounds that can help relax sensitive nerves, relieve stress, and promote a sense of calm. Therefore, instead of discarding them, we’ll utilize these precious seeds in making our delicious jujube paste. Simmering the seeds will add a deeper, richer flavor profile.
Step 3
Place the jujube seeds and 1L of water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water is vigorously boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the beneficial compounds from the seeds to infuse into the water. Then, remove the seeds and add the prepared jujubes. From this point onwards, it’s crucial to simmer on very low heat, allowing the jujubes to slowly cook down until they are completely soft and mushy.
Step 4
After some time, you’ll notice that most of the initial water has evaporated, and you’ll see the jujube flesh has broken down into a soft, pulpy mass. All the moisture from the jujubes will have concentrated, creating a thick consistency. During this process, the jujubes’ natural deep aroma and sweetness become intensely concentrated.
Step 5
Once the jujubes are well-cooked, place a sieve over a bowl. Using a ladle or spatula, press down firmly on the cooked jujubes in the sieve to extract all the remaining moisture and the rich pulp. The liquid will drip down, concentrating the jujube paste. Avoid pouring off just the clear liquid, as you want to extract as much of the flesh as possible for maximum flavor.
Step 6
Transfer the strained, concentrated jujube pulp and the reduced liquid back into the pot. Now, continue to simmer over medium heat until you achieve your desired consistency for the jujube paste. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add honey or sugar at this stage to cook along with the paste. Adding thinly sliced ginger will impart a subtle ginger aroma, enhancing the overall complex flavor.
Step 7
This carefully simmered jujube paste, made with such dedication, boasts a deep, natural sweetness and a rich jujube aroma that rivals any sweetener, even without added sugar or honey. Its chewy yet smooth texture fills the mouth, offering a healthy and sophisticated taste. It’s the perfect comforting treat for a chilly winter day.
Step 8
To enjoy the finished jujube paste as tea, scoop about 2-3 tablespoons into a mug and dilute it with hot water until you reach your preferred tea consistency. You can add more honey or sugar to adjust the sweetness according to your personal preference. Finally, floating a few pine nuts on top adds a delightful nutty flavor, making your jujube tea even more luxurious and nutritious. Warm yourself from the inside out with a comforting cup.
