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Winter Melon Tea
Winter melon tea is a traditional Asian beverage made by slow-cooking winter melon cubes or puree with dark brown or cane sugar until it caramelizes into a rich, sweet syrup or solid brick. When dissolved in water and served chilled, it creates a deeply refreshing, sweet drink with subtle caramel and herbal undertones, famous for its cooling properties.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 70 min
Servings: 50
Difficulty: Medium
https://cookandlivewell.com/en/recipes/winter-melon-tea/
About This Recipe
Despite what its name suggests, winter melon tea is primarily celebrated as a summertime drink. The magic of the beverage lies in the transformation of the vegetable itself. Winter melon on its own has a very mild, almost neutral flavor and a high water content. However, when slow-simmered for a hour with heavy amounts of sugar, the melon completely breaks down and absorbs the sweeteners, undergoing a Maillard reaction that creates a complex, molasses-like caramel syrup.
Culturally, this beverage holds a deeply rooted place in traditional Chinese medicine and culinary heritage, particularly in regions like Taiwan and Southern China. It is classified as a "cooling" or yin food, meaning it is traditionally consumed to clear internal heat, eliminate dampness from the body, and reduce swelling. For generations, people have relied on it as a natural antidote to hot, humid weather, making it a staple menu item at traditional herbal tea shops and modern boba tea stalls alike.
In modern beverage culture, winter melon tea serves as an incredibly versatile base. While it is delicious when simply diluted with cold water and ice, it pairs exceptionally well with fresh lemon juice, which cuts through the intense sweetness with a bright acidity. It is also frequently combined with green tea, black tea, or fresh milk to create creamy, complex milk teas, often topped with grass jelly or boba for added texture.
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Ingredients
- 1000 g winter melon
- 1000 g suger
Instructions
- Wash 1000g of winter melon, remove the skin and seeds, cut it into small pieces, and blend it into a puree using a blender.
- Pour the winter melon puree into a pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Continue to cook over medium-high heat for 10 - 15 minutes to evaporate the moisture. You don't need to stir constantly; just stir it occasionally.
- Add 1000g of cane sugar and mix well. This will release the remaining moisture from the winter melon. Continue to cook over medium-low heat to evaporate the water. At this stage, you still don't need to stir constantly—just give it a stir every 5 to 10 minutes.
- After about 60 minutes, most of the water will have evaporated, and you will smell a caramel aroma. Once the temperature reaches approximately 210°F - 220°F (104°C), pour the mixture into a container.
- Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into small square cubes and store them in a container.
- When you want to drink it, take one or two cubes and dissolve them in boiling water. Add ice cubes and a few slices of lemon. Your delicious, refreshing, and heat-relieving winter melon tea is ready!
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