Refreshing Winter Melon Tea: A Must-Have for Hot Summer Days

In the sweltering heat of summer, a refreshing and cooling winter melon tea is a must-have for every household.

Its delightful taste, versatility, and affordability make it one of the essential traditional beverages in Taiwanese drink shops!

Caffeine-free, it's suitable for children and pregnant women alike.

With simple ingredients and an easy cooking method, you can easily make it at home.

If you're interested in making winter melon tea, read on!

1. How to Cook Winter Melon Tea Bricks: Super Easy and Foolproof

Proportion for Cooking Winter Melon Tea:

The ratio of winter melon tea bricks to water is 1:8, meaning 1 gram of winter melon tea bricks should be paired with 8 c.c. of water.

HERJYI’s winter melon tea bricks come in three sizes, with the recommended water amounts as follows:

- 500g of winter melon tea bricks with 4,000 c.c. of water
- 200g of winter melon tea bricks with 1,600 c.c. of water
- 17g of winter melon tea bricks with 136 c.c. of water

Traditional Winter Melon Tea Cooking Method:

1. Place the winter melon tea bricks and cold water into a pot.
2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the bottom of the pot.
3. Simmer until the tea bricks are completely dissolved, about 20-30 minutes.
4. After cooling, store the tea in the refrigerator.

2. Tips and Precautions for Cooking Winter Melon Tea

Q1. How to make it more fragrant?

Cook over medium-low heat. Avoid cooking on high heat for too long, as it can reduce the fragrance,

cause the water to evaporate, and increase the sweetness.

Q2. Why does the tea become thick the next day, and what should I do?

Thickening can occur due to various factors, often insufficient cooling, particularly during seasonal changes or summer.

The tea, rich in carbohydrates and proteins, can support bacterial growth if not cooled properly.
Ensure proper cooling to prevent spoilage.

If the tea becomes thick, do not consume it.

Q3. How to cool winter melon tea?

• Ice Cooling:Add ice cubes directly to the hot tea to cool it quickly and reduce bacterial growth,
  though this can be costly due to the ice.   You can also replace one-third of the water with ice before cooking.
  
• Water Bath Cooling: Place the pot in a bath of ice water, monitoring the temperature until it reaches 50°C,
  then refrigerate immediately.
  
  
• Fan Cooling: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then use a fan to lower the temperature to 50°C before refrigerating.
  This method is slower and more cost-effective but may allow dust or insects to enter, so using a breathable cover is advisable.

Q4. How long can the cooked winter melon tea be stored?

HERJYI’s winter melon tea bricks contain no preservatives.

For the best flavor, consume the tea within three days.

By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious, homemade winter melon tea all summer long!