The Monk Fruit Tea

The monk fruit tea or what most of us know as 'luo han kuo' (罗汉果) herbal tea is popular for its' cooling properties, driving heatiness from our body and is equally beneficial for soothing coughs and bad throats. Though the drink is in a most unattractive black color and looks sinisterly bitter, don't be deceived by its' appearance. It is actually a naturally sweet drink.  No sugar needed.

As a child, I have always looked forward to the days when my Mom would cook 'luo han kuo' soup with chicken. It was my most favourite soup of all!   After I married WSS, I proudly served him my first pot of 'luo han kuo' soup.  His response was one of bewilderment!   He grew up drinking 'luo han kuo' as a herbal drink. Well, different strokes for different folks. Since then, I make 'luo han kuo' herbal drink for the family and they love it, always asking for seconds and thirds.

The ingredients are simple but the end result are cups of goodness. The fruit is naturally sweet but I throw in some honey dates and dried longan to enhance the flavour.

Serves 4 persons
Ingredients :

3 small sized 'luo han guo' (you can use less 'luo han guo' if they are bigger sized)
4-5 honey dates
a handful of dried longans
a handful of bitter almonds
3500 ml of water

Method :

1. Gently crack the 'luo han guo' into two.
2. Put into a pot of boiling water together with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Cover lid and simmer the drink for 20 - 25 minutes.
4. Serve warm or cold.

If you find the drink too sweet for your liking, you can reduce the amount of honey dates or boil the fruit with water only and drink it as often as you wish. Alternatively, you can also put in slices of candied winter melon or sea coconut.  Tweak the recipe according to your own taste buds.

The drink doesn't cost much. 'Luo han kuo' costs only about RM1 a piece, depending on size. For all its' health benefits and delicious taste, it is easily one of the best herbal drinks around.