This delightfully fruity Chinese tea is made with goji berries and jujubes (Chinese red dates). It has a wonderfully sweet yet zesty flavor that is unique and delicious.

I was introduced to this tasty brew by Vanessa, who is Chinese-American. For Vanessa and her family, drinking goji and jujube tea is a cultural tradition deeply tied to their heritage. Vanessa recalled her mom making this vibrant tea when she was growing up. The aroma of the simmering fruits would fill their home, making it smell inviting and reminding Vanessa of her childhood in Hong Kong.  It was a ritual steeped in tradition (pun intended!).

Making a batch is pretty straightforward. You just simmer goji berries and jujubes in water until they get plump and juicy. Then you add a touch of rock sugar to bring out the sweetness. 

This zingy fruitiness reminded me of raisins and prunes. There’s also an earthy undertone that balances out the sweetness nicely. It’s a complex flavor, but smooth and comforting at the same time. As you sip it, the tender goji berries almost melt in your mouth while the jujube dates provide a nice chewy contrast. 

If you’re looking to try a new tea, I’d definitely recommend this goji-jujube brew. It’s sweet, tangy, comforting and a little taste of Hong Kong culture in a cup. Just be warned – it might become your new obsession!