Goji Berry & Jujube Tea

HONG KONG

There's nothing I love more than a snack at the bottom of my tea

SUBMITTED BY

Vanessa

Vanessa’s favorite way to have tea is a soothing and healing cup of warmth.

Hong Kong Goji Berry and Jujube Tea is more than just a comforting herbal drink — it’s a tradition steeped in centuries of Chinese medicinal wisdom and cultural significance. Known for its naturally sweet and earthy flavor, this tea has remained a staple in Chinese households, particularly in Hong Kong, where East-meets-West culture has helped preserve ancient remedies while introducing them to modern lifestyles.

Ancient Roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The history of Goji Berry and Jujube Tea begins with the ingredients themselves. Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, have been cultivated for over 2,000 years. First recorded in the “Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing,” one of the earliest Chinese pharmacopoeias, goji berries were prized for their nourishing properties, believed to support eye health, boost the immune system, and improve longevity.

Jujube, or red dates, has an even older history. Often referred to as the “fruit of life,” jujube has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years. Renowned for its ability to calm the mind, nourish the blood, and strengthen the spleen, jujube became a key ingredient in many herbal formulas, especially those aimed at promoting energy and wellness.

A Timeless Pairing

Together, goji berries and jujube create a tea that’s both flavorful and beneficial. This pairing became increasingly popular during the Tang and Song dynasties, as herbalists and scholars documented its effects on improving qi (vital energy) and balancing yin and yang. Over time, the combination was embraced not only for its medicinal uses but also for its naturally sweet, comforting taste.

The Hong Kong Connection

As a crossroads between Chinese heritage and international influence, Hong Kong played a unique role in preserving and popularizing traditional herbal teas like Goji Berry and Jujube. Herbal tea shops became common in the early 20th century, offering brews to help urban dwellers combat fatigue, stress, and pollution. Goji and jujube tea, with its warming qualities and gentle sweetness, became a household remedy for busy families seeking balance in fast-paced city life.

Hong Kong’s herbal tea culture was further recognized in 2006 when it was included in the China National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This move highlighted the importance of traditional teas — not only as remedies but also as cultural symbols that connect generations.

Modern-Day Popularity

Today, Goji Berry and Jujube Tea is enjoying a global resurgence. With growing interest in natural wellness and ancient remedies, this tea is now appreciated far beyond Asia. In Hong Kong, it’s still commonly served in homes, herbal shops, and even cafes, often infused with ingredients like ginger, longan, or dried chrysanthemum for added flavor and benefit.

Whether enjoyed hot in the winter or chilled during summer months, this tea continues to be a symbol of harmony, health, and history.

Goji Berry & Jujube Tea

Ingredients
  

  • 4-5 jujubes Chinese dried red dates
  • ¼ cup dried goji berries
  • 4 cups water
  • rock sugar to taste, if desired

Instructions
 

  • Give the goji berries and jujubes a gentle rinse under cool, running water.
  • In a pot, combine the goji berries, jujubes, and water.
  • Cover and bring to a boil before lowering heat and simmering for 5-7 minutes, up to hour if you want the berries and dates mushy.
  • If you prefer your tea sweeter, stir in rock sugar until dissolved.
  • Tea can be enjoyed hot or cold!

Notes

Recipe inspired by Healthy World Cuisine
Course: Drink
Region: Asia

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About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.

About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.