Watercress and Honey Tea 西洋菜蜜 (Cantonese: sai yeung choy mut) also known as “vegetable honey 菜蜜” (choy mut). The Macanese created this popular drink. And it's now on the menus of cafés in Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macau. The English translation from the Chinese word for watercress 西洋菜 is “western vegetable”. Have you ever wondered how it got its name? Well, I’m going to tell you anyways…
In the early 1900’s, a man with the surname Huang moved to Lisbon, Portugal for business. He became ill. He was coughing blood and had problems breathing. The Portuguese authorities moved him to a remote country location to prevent him from spreading his disease. In order to survive, Mr. Huang had to look for his own food. He came across a wild vegetable, the watercress, that was growing in shallow water. He ate it for days. Until one day, he stopped coughing and had no more symptoms. They allowed him back to Lisbon where he lived.
In the 1930’s, he went to visit his home town in Guangdong and brought watercress seeds as his gift to family and relatives. He told them it saved his life! People started growing watercress and it became known for its health benefits. And since this vegetable was brought to China from Portugal, it’s been known as the “western vegetable”.
Fast forward to today, Chinese people mainly use watercress to make soup. Watercress and Honey Tea 西洋菜蜜 is actually more like a sweet soup than a tea. Most people know that it’s good for you, but I think they drink it because it’s very delicious. The watercress has a very distinct taste. It’s grassy, sweet and peppery which makes a great combination for sweet or savoury applications.
Although Watercress and Honey Tea 西洋菜蜜 is generally consumed in the fall and winter seasons to boost the respiratory system, I think it’s a great drink for the summer too. You can drink it warm or cold. And it can help neutralize some of the heatiness from eating too much deep-fried foods. I also love to drink it cold with hot pot!
Looking for more recipes? Check out my drink section for more!
Note: there has been concern about the traces of cyanide found in apricot kernels. In Canada, since January 25, 2020, it is my understanding that the apricot kernels available for sale do not exceed the maximum levels permitted. You may want to look further into this matter in your own country. As for this tea, apricot kernels are not essential but just traditional.
Watercress and Honey Tea 西洋菜蜜
Ingredients
- 500 g Watercress (2 bunches)
- 500 g Carrots
- 2 Dried honey dates
- 10 g Northern apricot kernels , 北杏 (optional)
- 10 g Southern apricot kernels , 南杏 (optional)
- 80 g Rock sugar
- 4 tbsp Honey
- 2.5 L Water
Instructions
- Wash watercress and dry in colander
- Cut carrots to your preferred shape and size
- Rinse dried honey dates and apricot kernels
- Prepare 80 g rock sugar
The sweetness level for my recipe is mildly sweet. You may add more sugar if you like it sweeter 
- Bring 2.5 L water to a boil on high heat. Add all the ingredients except for the rock sugar and honey
- Bring to a boil. Add rock sugar and turn heat down to low, cover with lid and let it simmer for 45 minutes
- After 45 minutes, add 4 tbsp honey and serve hot or cold
How long can this be kept in the fridge?
Hi Meishan, I've never tested the expiry date, but I have had some in the fridge for a week and it was fine. I believe that since no salt is added plus sugar acts as a preservative, it won't go bad easily. I also have little 8 oz glass bottles that I use sometimes so that my family can just grab one out of the fridge. It'll last longer than if you put it all in one communal pitcher. To sum up, my guess would be 1 week in a pitcher and 2 weeks in individual filled bottles (less air, better for preserving). Hope this helps!