Melon, Longan, and Luo Han Guo Drink

Here is a simple recipe for a delicious drink made from melon, longan, and Luo Han Guo. This exotic fruit blend is valued for its health benefits, particularly for refreshing the body and soothing the throat.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 melon (such as cantaloupe or watermelon), peeled and cut into pieces
• 1 cup of peeled and pitted longans, or dried longans (longan - 龙眼, longan in pinyin)
• 1 or 2 pieces of fresh or dried Luo Han Guo (Luo Han Guo - 罗汉果, luóhàn guǒ in pinyin)
• Water
• Ice

Instructions:

Preparing the Luo Han Guo:

1. Rinse the pieces of Luo Han Guo with cold water to remove any dirt, then break them into pieces to release their unique aroma and sweet flavor.

Cooking:

1. In a pot, add the melon pieces, longan, and Luo Han Guo.
2. Add enough water to cover the fruit in the pot.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors of the fruit and Luo Han Guo to blend and infuse the water.

Filtering:

1. Once the fruit has released its flavors and the water is well infused, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Filter the drink to remove the fruit pieces and Luo Han Guo, collecting the liquid in a clean container.

Cooling and Serving:

1. Let the drink cool completely in the refrigerator, or add ice if you prefer to serve it immediately.
2. Serve the drink chilled in glasses and enjoy this delicious combination of fruity and sweet flavors.

Health Benefits:

• Moisturizes and soothes the throat and lungs.
• Good for the kidneys, spleen, and lungs.
• Refreshes the body and quenches thirst.

Origins of the Fruits:

Melon (Cucumis melo, cantaloupe or watermelon): Melon, a widely cultivated fruit around the world, is native to Africa, particularly the region encompassing Egypt and North Africa. There are many varieties of melon, but the most common are watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and cantaloupe (Cucumis melo). Melon is appreciated for its sweet flavor and high water content, making it an ideal beverage for the summer.

Longan (Dimocarpus longan, longan - 龙眼): Longan is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, and China. It is sometimes called "dragon's eye" due to its appearance, with translucent, sweet flesh surrounded by a brown or golden skin. This fruit is often used in traditional Asian medicine, known for its soothing properties and benefits for the skin.

Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii, Luo Han Guo - 罗汉果): Luo Han Guo is a fruit from the mountains of southern China. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties and natural sweetness. The fruit contains mogrosides, compounds that are much sweeter than regular sugar but without the calories. This fruit is often used to soothe the throat, treat coughs, and as a natural sweetener. Its name, "Luo Han," refers to a legendary Buddhist monk, emphasizing its importance in Chinese culture and medicine.

Conclusion: This refreshing and healthy drink made from melon, longan, and Luo Han Guo is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of these exotic fruits while hydrating. Their combination of sweet and soothing flavors, along with their medicinal properties, makes it an ideal drink for hot days and for maintaining good health. You can adjust the amount of Luo Han Guo to your taste, as this fruit is particularly sweet.