3 Jujube (red dates) tea recipes for sleep. Which one suits you? What recipe is not for sleep? 安眠红枣茶
3 Jujube (red dates) tea recipes for sleep. Which one suits you? What recipe is not for sleep? 安眠红枣茶 is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Chinese Herbal Pantry- Shirley Dr Chinese Medicine on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $38.64 total, $9.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 20 pieces Red Dates (Jujube) (fresh if possible; remove pits for the pear recipe, keep pits for the longan‑goji recipe)
- 1 medium Korean Pear (Asian Pear) (use Korean or Asian pear for cooling effect; can substitute Bartlett pear but flavor differs)
- 10 pieces Longan Fruit (fresh or dried, rinsed; adds warming and sweet flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Goji Berries (dried, rinsed before use)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (optional, adds sweetness and soothing properties)
- 1.5 liters Water (filtered or clean tap water)
Instructions
Prepare the Jujubes
Rinse all 20 red dates. For the pear recipe, remove the pits from 10 dates and cut them into small pieces. For the longan‑goji recipe, keep the pits in the remaining 10 dates.
Time: PT10M
Soak the Jujubes
Place the prepared jujubes in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes until softened.
Time: PT15M
Make Plain Jujube Paste (Variation 1)
Transfer the soaked jujubes (including skins) to the blender. Add a splash of fresh water and blend until a thick but pourable paste forms. Adjust water as needed.
Time: PT5M
Store the Paste
Sterilize a glass jar, spoon the paste into it, seal tightly, and refrigerate. The paste keeps for up to one week.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Pear
While the jujubes are soaking, wash the pear, core it, and cut into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT5M
Boil Water for Tea
In the saucepan, bring 1.5 L of water to a rolling boil.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 100°C
Simmer Jujube‑Pear Tea (Variation 2)
Add the pit‑removed jujubes and the pear pieces to the boiling water. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 90°C
Continue Simmering
Lower the heat further and let the mixture simmer for an additional 40 minutes to concentrate flavors.
Time: PT40M
Temperature: 80°C
Add Sweetener
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in honey to taste, if desired.
Time: PT5M
Strain and Serve (Variation 2)
Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer into cups. Enjoy warm before bedtime.
Time: PT5M
Simmer Jujube‑Longan‑Goji Tea (Variation 3)
Using a clean saucepan, bring 1.5 L water to boil. Add the remaining 10 jujubes (with pits), rinsed longan pieces, and goji berries. Simmer high heat for 20 minutes, then low heat for 40 minutes.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 90°C
Strain and Serve (Variation 3)
Strain the tea into cups. Optionally sweeten with a small amount of honey if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 80
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan (if honey omitted), Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Red Dates (Jujube): Dried dates
- Instead of Korean Pear (Asian Pear): Bartlett pear
- Instead of Longan Fruit: Lychee
- Instead of Goji Berries: Dried cranberries
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Jar with Lid
- Spoon
- Stove
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cup (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Removing pits from jujubes for the pear variation to avoid bitterness and choking hazards.
- Soaking jujubes sufficiently to achieve a smooth paste.
- Simmering the tea for the full 1 hour to extract the active constituents.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a smoother texture, press the blended paste through a fine mesh sieve before storing.
- Add a slice of fresh ginger to the pear tea if you need a gentle warming boost in the morning.
- Use filtered water to avoid mineral deposits that can cloud the tea.
Troubleshooting
Tea is too weak or watery.
Simmer longer (additional 10‑15 minutes) or reduce the water volume for a more concentrated brew.
Paste is too thick to blend.
Add a little warm water gradually while blending until the desired consistency is reached.
Jujube pieces remain hard after simmering.
Check that the jujubes were fully soaked before cooking; if not, extend the initial soaking time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Jujube paste: up to 7 days in a sterilized jar. Brewed tea: up to 3 days, reheated gently.
Freezer: Jujube paste can be frozen for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
Room temperature: Do not store brewed tea at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Soak jujubes the night before to reduce prep time.
- Prepare the plain jujube paste in bulk and keep refrigerated for up to a week.
- The longan‑goji brew can be made in larger batches and stored in the fridge for 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Jujube Tea for sleep in Chinese herbal tradition?
Jujube (red date) has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood and calm the spirit, making it a classic ingredient in bedtime teas that support restful sleep.
What are the traditional regional variations of Jujube Tea in Chinese cuisine?
In northern China, jujube is often paired with ginger for warmth, while southern recipes may combine it with lotus seed or goji berries for a sweeter, more soothing brew. The longan‑goji version reflects a Cantonese‑style warming tea.
How is Jujube Tea traditionally served in Chinese households?
It is usually served warm in small porcelain cups, sometimes sweetened with a drizzle of honey, and enjoyed after dinner or before bedtime to calm the mind.
During which occasions is Jujube Tea traditionally consumed in Chinese culture?
Jujube tea is commonly prepared during the winter solstice, family gatherings, and for elderly relatives who need gentle nourishment and better sleep.
How does Jujube Tea fit into the broader Chinese medicinal diet?
It exemplifies the principle of using sweet, neutral herbs to balance the body's yin and yang, especially to support the heart and spleen, which are linked to calmness and sleep in TCM theory.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Jujube Tea versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh red dates, Chinese longan, and goji berries. Dried dates, frozen longan, or dried cranberries can be used as substitutes, though flavor and therapeutic properties may vary.
What other Chinese dishes pair well with Jujube Tea for a calming evening?
Mild dishes such as congee, steamed fish with ginger, or a simple vegetable stir‑fry complement the gentle sweetness of jujube tea and promote a relaxed dining experience.
What makes the Longan‑Goji Jujube Tea special in Chinese herbal cuisine?
The combination of two warming herbs (jujube and longan) with the antioxidant‑rich goji creates a tea that nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and provides a deeper, sweeter flavor profile ideal for cold‑type constitutions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Jujube Tea for sleep?
Common errors include over‑boiling which can make the tea bitter, adding too many warming ingredients for heat‑prone individuals, and forgetting to remove pits from the pear variation, which can cause a gritty texture.
Why does this Jujube Tea recipe use a long, low‑heat simmer instead of a quick boil?
A gentle simmer extracts the delicate active compounds from the herbs without breaking down their beneficial sugars, resulting in a smoother, sweeter tea that is easier on the stomach before bedtime.
What does the YouTube channel Chinese Herbal Pantry- Shirley Dr Chinese Medicine specialize in?
The channel focuses on teaching practical applications of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs for everyday health, emphasizing safety, dosage, and personalized herbal formulas for Western audiences.
How does the YouTube channel Chinese Herbal Pantry- Shirley Dr Chinese Medicine's approach to Chinese herbal tea differ from other herbal channels?
Shirley combines her pharmacist background with TCM knowledge, providing evidence‑based explanations, clear safety warnings, and personalized recommendations, whereas many other channels focus mainly on taste without discussing constitutional suitability.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
