Chinese Red Dates Pear Elixir

Thank you for sharing!

Last Updated on January 24, 2021 by Chef Mireille

Chinese Red Dates Pear Immunity Elixir – This herbal fruit tea is full of health benefits to protect you from winter colds.

This post may include affiliate links.

Chinese New Year is coming up next week, so let’s explore one of the most popular drinks that help keep the Chinese healthy in the cold winter season. We all want to stay healthy in all seasons right!

RELATED – CHINESE NEW YEAR STICKY RICE COCONUT CAKE (GLUTEN FREE)

The mountainous regions of northern China get very cold. In most of these Mongolian regions, it hardly ever gets above 40 F. During the winter months, the temperatures are consistently below 0.

One way the people of China stay healthy in these continuous cold temperatures is to drink lots of Chinese Red Dates Pear Elixir. Throughout China, Red Dates Tea or Elixir is consumed for protection against colds and coughs.

Chinese Red Dates

Chinese Dried Red Dates are very different than Mejdool Dates or other sweet dates. They have a bright red color and have a more sour taste.

They come in different sizes. The 1” size was used to make this elixir.

Chinese Red Dates, also known as jujube, have a very high Vitamin C content. This Vitamin C offers protection against the common cold. Jujube also has many other health benefits.

Jujube Health Benefits

  • Regulates Blood Pressure
  • Regulates Blood Circulation
  • Improves Bone Strength
  • Prevents Insomnia
  • Helps to Relieve Constipation
  • Relieves Anxiety

Asian Pear

Asian Pear is also used in this elixir. There are two types of Asian pear. There is a white pear, which is smaller in size. I used the golden pear, which is very large, about the size of a grapefruit.

Pears are a natural expectorant and helps with throat ailments.

Goji Berries

Goji Berries are another Chinese superfood also sometimes included in the elixir, although I did not utilize them in this version. However, feel free to add ¼ cup of goji berries when making the elixir, as you prefer.

From Shanghai to Beijing to Hong Kong, Red Dates Pear Elixir is one of the most common drinks sold in the streets to keep everyone warm and healthy! They are sold in plastic cups to warm your hands while you enjoy this health tonic.

In Hong Kong, the jujube and pear is boiled down to a molasses like consistency called Qiuligao. Qiuligao is then diluted with boiling water to make the herbal elixir.

This ancient recipe dates back to the Tang Dynasty, where they already knew the health benefits of red dates and pear.

Before we get to today’s recipe, let’s check out some related beverages. Not only is this elixir a healthy recipe to keep you warm in the winter months, but is is also a great addition to any Chinese New Year Menu, since the Lunar Festival happens in the heart of winter.

However, I do have a few other Asian inspired drinks that you can include as part of your Chinese New Year Menu.

Chinese New Year Beverages

So let’s check the ingredients to add to this week’s shopping list!

Ingredients

Have you tried instacart yet? It’s how I get all of my fresh grocery items delivered within 2 hours!

Drink a cup of this tea daily to boost your immune system!

Tea LR 4

It is so simple to make. You just boil a few ingredients together.

Tea LR

You can then enjoy it with the fruit or strain it, as you prefer.

Tea LR 5
Print Recipe Pin it for later!
5 from 11 votes
SAVE THIS RECIPE

Chinese Red Dates Pear Elixir

Chinese Red Dates Pear Elixir – This herbal fruit tea is full of health benefits to protect you from winter colds. Packed with Vitamin C, drink a cup daily to boost your immune system.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 27kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
  • Bring to a boil and cook on medium heat for 45 minutes.
  • Serve with some of the fruit as desired or strain and serve just the elixir.

Nutrition

Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me see!Tag me on Instagram @chefmireille so I can see yours!
Is this recipe on my You Tube channel?Find out and subscribe to my channel here!

You might also like:

DO YOU YUM? SAVE IT BELOW!

Yum

Don’t forget to visit the RECIPE INDEX with over 1000 recipes from around the world including lots of Vegetarian Recipes and Gluten Free Recipes!

Thank you for sharing!

Join the Global Kitchen Travels community!

Sign up for updates!

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I work in a Chinese Bank where we get office lunch. We get this dish in office lunch during winters. I never thought of trying it at home but now will definitely try by following your recipe. Thanks for sharing it.

  2. This herbal fruit tea which is full of health benefits sounds really interesting. Found your post really informative. I like the sound of red dates – probably tastier than normal dates.

  3. 5 stars
    I didn’t know goji berry is a Chinese ingredient. Herbal tea looks super healthy with all the ingredients that went in. As always, quite an informative post Mir.

  4. 5 stars
    This herbal tea is so easy to make and healthy too. I love these dried red dates . I have had them in some Chinese desserts. I would love to try your herbal tea. Thanks for sharing.

  5. 5 stars
    Entirely different health drink packed with so much benefits . Never thought of using fruits in a health /herbal drink to ward off cold. Thanks for the recipe

  6. 5 stars
    Such an useful recipe. Loved reading about all the health benefits of different ingredients. I can imagine the fruity flavor lovely taste of this drink because of pear.

  7. 5 stars
    I was surprised that the Chinese have their own variety of dates! This elixir sounds delicious and healthy too. The flavour od the pears in the drink will be awesome.

  8. 5 stars
    chinese dates is something i m learnt today Mir!!! The elixir looks soothing and warm! Age old traditions are never wrong, i will check whether i can source these dates here! i bet this fruity tea will taste delish too!

  9. 5 stars
    Had no idea that jujube is also called red dates. An interesting fruity drink. Every region in the world has its own version of hot drinks to overcome colds and coughs during the cold season. I’m sure this drink must be a bit sour and sweet.

  10. 5 stars
    I’ve been living in China for over seven years, and has this tea only recently while at a vegan hot pot. It was so delicious that I checked the Internet to find the recipe which led me to your website.

    I did show the ingredients to my Chinese girlfriend who agreed! While the tea at the restaurant contained no ginger, I was more than happy to add some to this recipe. It turned out way better than at the restaurant!!! It says for eight people, but I downed the whole thing in no time as it’s so flavorful and healthy.

    One question though, if I make a big batch, how shall I reheat? On the stove?

    Thank you for sharing this recipe! Will often drink this even during warmer days!

5 from 11 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.