Yes, it seems like whenever we intend to make a Chinese dessert drink, we always end up in a Chinese Medicine hall or store.

That's correct. In Chinese tradition, there's a medicinal view of food. Everything from dang gui herbs and ginseng is believed to offer health benefits.

We really enjoy Chinese desserts at restaurants; they make a refreshing end to a meal. However, we often find them to be quite expensive.

Many of these desserts, especially drinks like longan, Luo Han Guo, or barley drinks, don't require special culinary skills to make at home. For the cost of a bowl in a restaurant, you can sometimes make a whole pot of it yourself.

That's wonderful! Peach gum indeed adds a delightful texture to dessert drinks. It's commonly used in various Asian desserts for its unique gelatinous quality.

Peach gum is essentially the solidified sap secreted from the bark of peach trees. It's valued for its potential benefits in improving various skin conditions. When prepared in desserts, peach gum is prized for its gelatinous, bouncy texture, reminiscent of the highly regarded Bird's Nest. Despite being tasteless, it adds a unique mouthfeel to desserts and drinks.

Longan and Peach Gum Dish Recipe

Ingredients

Dried Longans - half a bowl

Luo Han Guo - 1 piece (crack it slightly)

10 pieces of peach gum

Pandan Leaves (tie them up)

Brown sugar or rock sugar

5 litres of water

Method

Here's a step-by-step method to prepare your dessert drink with peach gum:

1. Soak the peach gum solids in warm water overnight or for 12 hours until they expand. Remove any seeds using your hands.

2. Tie the pandan leaves into a knot.

3. Boil a pot of water.

4. Add the Luo Han Guo(monk fruit), dried longan, sugar, and the soaked peach gum to the boiling water.

5. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

6. Let it simmer for about 40 minutes.

7. Once done, you can enjoy it chilled. Add some ice if desired. This method will ensure your dessert drink is flavorful and has a pleasing texture.

Lykkers, after exploring the rich traditions and preparation of Chinese dessert drinks like Peach Gum with Dried Longan, we hope you feel inspired to try making one at home! Whether you're drawn to the health benefits or simply enjoy the flavors and textures, homemade versions can be both satisfying and cost-effective.

Have you tried making Chinese desserts before, or does this article pique your interest? Share your thoughts and experiences with us — we'd love to hear from you!