Passion Fruit & Yuzu Honey Drink

Why people make this drink

Did you know that citrus peel is often more potent, nutritionally speaking, than the fruit itself? Yuzu — the Japanese and Korean citrus fruit — has peel that contains a particularly high concentration of polyphenols compared to its juice. These compounds have antioxidant properties and are associated in research with anti-inflammatory effects. In traditional Cantonese household thinking, the same logic applies to most citrus fruits: the peel is not waste — it is the most valuable part. That is why yuzu honey (柚子蜜 / yuja cha), which includes shreds of actual yuzu rind, is used here rather than plain honey.

Paired with fresh passion fruit, which is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre, this drink is an easy, genuinely pleasant daily ritual — especially for those who spend long hours in front of screens, tend to catch whatever cold is going around, or want a light, detoxifying drink to brighten their complexion over time.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Office workers and those who spend many hours in front of screens
• People with lower immunity who tend to catch colds easily
• Those looking for a simple, tasty daily drink to support skin health and antioxidant intake
• Generally suitable for most adults; very acidic foods may not suit those with severe acid reflux — dilute with more warm water if needed
• People on blood thinners or certain heart medications should check with their doctor before adding large amounts of citrus to their diet

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Passion fruit (bai xiang guo): High in vitamin C, carotenoids, and dietary fibre; the pulp and seeds together provide antioxidants associated with supporting skin clarity, aiding digestion, and helping the body maintain immune defences; traditionally described as cooling, detoxifying, and antioxidant-rich
• Yuzu honey (柚子蜜): The preserved shreds of yuzu rind in the honey concentrate the polyphenols and flavonoids of the citrus peel; yuzu has long been used in East Asian food cultures as a warming, anti-inflammatory ingredient, particularly in winter; the honey itself adds gentle antimicrobial and soothing qualities
• Warm water: Warm (not boiling) water preserves the vitamin C; heat destroys it

Ingredients (1 cup)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh passion fruit	1 whole
Yuzu honey (yuja cha)	2 tablespoons	The kind sold in jars with yuzu rind shreds
Warm water	~200–250 ml	Warm, not boiling

Method

1. Cut the passion fruit in half.
2. Scoop the pulp and seeds into a cup.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of yuzu honey.
4. Pour in warm water and stir well until the honey is fully dissolved.
5. Drink immediately, including the passion fruit seeds — they are edible and add texture.

Bro Niu’s tips

Passion fruit is currently in season and very affordable — this is the ideal time to enjoy it regularly. Regular consumption is associated with offering some protection against the effects of radiation exposure (relevant for screen workers) and may support cardiovascular health over time. The drink’s anti-inflammatory quality makes it a good everyday choice, particularly when immunity needs a gentle lift.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Sisi / reader): My two-year-old has been hospitalised with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). The right lung has heavy crackles and lots of phlegm. What soup would be appropriate? Bro Niu: You can use 2 liang of fresh houttuynia (fish mint / yu xing cao), 5 qian of north and south almonds (nan bei xing), 1 dried tangerine peel cut into strips, 3 dried figs sliced, and some lean pork — simmer in 4.5 bowls of water for 20 minutes to make 2 bowls. Give the child small amounts throughout the day; it helps fight inflammation and supports respiratory recovery. You can also put perilla seeds (su zi) and radish seeds (lai fu zi) — 3 qian each in a tea bag — into a lean pork congee to help clear phlegm and ease cough. Take three to four days.

• Q (Sa / reader): My nearly 3-year-old has a dry cough for nearly a week after a cold, with no appetite and a thick white tongue coat. What can I make? Bro Niu: Try a soup with 1 liang of fresh dragon tongue leaf (long li ye), 2 apples, 3 qian of poria (fu ling), 1 liang of north and south almonds, and 4 dried figs, simmered with lean pork. Take three batches.

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Published January 6, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.