| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 0.3g | 0g | 130g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 120g | 1g | 3g | 0.01g |
There’s something inherently special about the Winter Melon Tea. Not just because it’s a refreshing, crisp veggie-based concoction, but also because, in a strange way, it reminds me a lot of my home in the Rockies. Let me explain.
A Taste of Home in a Glass
See, growing up in Colorado, I was always surrounded by an abundance of fresh, untamed produce. It was a land rich in nutrients, and nothing epitomizes the bounty of nature more than a huge winter melon. The winter melon, despite its name, is available all year round and is a staple in many Asian cuisines, particularly in China. It has a clean, mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the boldness of green tea and the sweetness of honey and rock sugar in our Winter Melon Tea.
Nature’s Bounty in Your Kitchen
The ingredients in Winter Melon Tea are a wonderful balance of natural sweetness and complexity, reflecting the diverse palette of nature’s bounty. It’s not unlike the game meals or trout dishes I’m usually found whipping up. And while it might seem a world away from the hearty mountain fares that Gordon and I frequently prepare, it complements them surprisingly well.
Picture a cool evening, a roaring fire pit and a searing, succulent elk steak. As fantastic as it sounds, it can get a bit overwhelming. That’s when you need something as light and refreshing as Winter Melon Tea. It’s similar to other calming beverages like lemonade or mint-infused water but with a unique twist arising from the unique combination of winter melon and green tea.
Beyond the Taste: The Health Perks
But it’s not just about perfectly contrasting your robust mountain meals. Winter Melon Tea also boasts a flurry of health benefits. Winter melon is known to aid in weight loss, help in digestion, and improve cardiovascular health. Green tea is known to be packed with antioxidants and can help improve brain function, among other benefits. Then you have honey, a natural sweetener known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a drink that’s as good for you as it tastes!
What You’ll Need
- 1 large winter melon (about 5-6 lbs)
- 2 cups rock sugar
- 8 cups water
- 8 bags green tea
- 1 cup honey
- 6 cups ice cubes
- 6 slices of lemon (for garnish)
- 6 mint sprigs (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Start by washing the winter melon thoroughly. After that, cut off the ends and scoop out the seeds. Once you’ve done that, you can peel off the skin and cut the melon into small chunks.
Step Two
Then, place these melon chunks into a large pot. Combine it with rock sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour until the melon becomes soft and translucent.
Step Three
While the melon is simmering, you can prepare the tea. Boil 8 cups of water, turn off the heat and steep the green tea bags in the hot water for about 5-10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and set the tea aside.
Step Four
After the melon has thoroughly softened, strain the mixture to remove the melon pieces. Once strained, add the melon liquid back to the large pot and stir in the green tea that you prepared earlier. Add the honey into it and stir until combined. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature.
Step Five
Once the tea has cooled, pour it over ice in individual glasses. Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. Your Winter Melon Tea is now ready! Enjoy this refreshing drink chilled.
