This is a popular drink served in homes along the Yangtze during the summer. In China, honey is highly praised for its medicinal value. Some say daily doses of local honey may help ease hay fever.

Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each

ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 3 1/2 hours (including chilling time)

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1/4 cup dried chrysanthemums (see Shopping Tip)
3 lemon slices
4 cups boiling water
Honey to taste

Place chrysanthemums and lemon in a glass or ceramic pot. Add boiling water. Cover with a lid and let steep for 5 minutes. Stir in honey. Refrigerate until cold, about 3 1/2 hours. (It’s not necessary to strain the tea.)

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Analysis note: With 4 teaspoons honey, this has 21 calories and negligible nutrients per cup.

0 Carbohydrate Servings

TIP: Shopping Tip: In China, you can buy dried chrysanthemums at “medicine stores” or vegetable markets; in the U.S., look for them at natural-foods stores or Asian markets.