Chinese Herbal Tea (涼茶)

Step 1

Start by washing the prunella vulgaris in a bowl of cold water. Grab two handfuls and squeeze the water out, then put it in a colander. Do this until all the dried herbs are in the colander.

Step 2

Pour the water out and rinse it until clean, then refill with fresh water. Tip the herbs back in and repeat the washing another 2 times. Note: If you find that there is still sand or dirt, keep changing the water and washing until the bowl is clear of impurities.

Step 3

Wash and peel the carrots.

Step 4

Pour the water into a pot and add the washed herbs in. Cut the carrots into 2cm (0.8") chunks and throw them into the pot. Bring it to a boil, then simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes.

Step 5

Add the sweetened wintermelon in and let it boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and strain the tea into a teapot.

Step 6

Serve it hot as is or put the teapot in the fridge for a few hours to enjoy as a cold beverage!