Tonic Drinks & Waters
Beetroot and Tangerine Peel Water
Traditionally nourishes blood and supports the heart
Why people make this drink
Bro Niu offers this one in a cheerful mood, recovering well after major surgery and ready to enjoy the Lunar New Year. Beetroot contains betaine and a range of antioxidants, and is traditionally valued for nourishing the blood, supporting the heart and cooling the blood. Because beetroot leans cooling, Bro Niu pairs it with warming dried tangerine peel so the drink sits more comfortably.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits most people wanting a simple, naturally sweet, ruby-coloured drink.
- Don’t be alarmed if your urine turns deep red after drinking beetroot water — this “beeturia” is harmless and more common in people who are low on iron. It clears up on its own within a day or two.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Beetroot (hong cai tou): Rich in antioxidants and betaine; traditionally associated with nourishing the blood, supporting the heart and cooling the blood.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Warming and aromatic; it balances beetroot’s cooling nature and supports digestion.
Ingredients (3 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beetroot | 1 small | Peeled, sliced |
| Dried tangerine peel | 2 whole pieces | Soaked soft, sliced |
Method
- Peel and slice the beetroot.
- Soak the tangerine peel until soft and slice it.
- Add both to 5 bowls of water and simmer for half an hour until reduced to about 3 bowls. Drink.
Bro Niu’s tips
Some people find their urine turns a deep “blood-red” colour after drinking beetroot water — this is more common in those who are iron-deficient. There is no need to worry; it fades naturally within a day or two.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Betty): When you say “one piece” of tangerine peel, do you mean one whole peel? Bro Niu: Yes, one whole tangerine peel.
Published January 25, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 1 min read.
