Winter melon punch facts for kids
Winter melon punch, also known as winter melon tea, is a sweet and tasty drink. It is very popular in East Asia, especially in Taiwan. This drink is made from a fruit called winter melon. Many street vendors and stores sell it because it is simple and cheap to make. In China, people believe winter melon tea helps them stay cool when it's hot. Some also think it helps with weight loss, so they sometimes call it "slim tea."
Contents
How Winter Melon Punch is Made
Making winter melon punch starts with the winter melon fruit. First, the melon is peeled, sliced, and its seeds are taken out. The melon pieces are then cooked in boiling water. Brown sugar or caramel is added to make it sweet. This mixture cooks for several hours.
After cooking, the liquid is strained. This removes any bits of fruit or other impurities. Once the clean, brown liquid cools down, it is ready. It can be put in a refrigerator or canned. Sometimes, it is even dried and cut into solid cubes. These cubes can be stored and later dissolved in water to make the drink.
Sugar-Free Winter Melon Punch
There is also a version of winter melon punch made without sugar. This is for people who need to avoid sugar. For example, people with kidney problems or diabetes might choose this version. The cooking process is the same, but no sugar is added.
Keeping the Melon's Flavor
Some people soak the winter melon slices in a special liquid. This liquid contains lime or calcium hydroxide. Soaking the melon helps to make its flesh firmer. This way, the melon keeps more of its original flavor when it is boiled with sugar and water.
Different Ways to Enjoy Winter Melon Punch
Winter melon punch can be enjoyed in many ways across Taiwan. People often add other flavors to it. For example, some like to mix in lemon juice. Others might add oolong tea to create a new taste. You can mix it with many other drinks to make unique combinations.
To turn this popular drink into a snack, street vendors sometimes add chewy bits. They might add tapioca balls, which are small, bouncy pearls. Another popular addition is nata de coco, which are jelly-like cubes. Sometimes, they even add tangyuan, which are small, sweet rice balls. These additions make winter melon punch a fun and tasty snack served in bowls.
