How many of you love tea? There are tons of tea choices in the market nowadays. For instance, the most popular one is green tea, then there is a tea that can help you to stay awake like black tea. And there are Chinese who always pair tea with their ‘Dim Sum’ breakfast with Oolong tea or Chrysanthemum.
There is nothing better than quenching down your thirst with an ice-cold tea on a sunny day or staying warm with a hot cup of tea on a cold, rainy day. Most of us might relate tea to the Chinese culture or the olden Victorian era, where drinking tea had ceremonial purposes or symbolised social standing. However, tea culture is also prevalent in Indochinese regions such as Vietnam, a country well-known for its refreshing kumquat tea, also known as Tra Cam.
What is Kumquat?
Kumquats can easily be mistaken as an orange. They are a lot smaller in terms of size but fills your mouth with a significant burst of sweet-tart citrus flavour. As compared to other citrus fruits, the peel of the kumquat is sweet and edible while the juicy flesh is tartly textured.
Many health benefits come with consuming kumquat. As the saying goes, good things come in small packages. In Vietnamese cuisines, kumquats are usually smashed with ginger, honey or salt and made into a herbal tea to remedy cold.
What is Kumquat Tea (Trà Cam)?
Kumquat tea originated from China and can be found around the South East Asian countries today. Kumquat tea can be taken hot or cold, which makes it suitable for all seasons.
It has a perfect balance of tart sweetness and critical lime flavours to it. It can be brewed with black tea or even just hot water. Some people like adding honey to their kumquat tea. Have you ever come across a drink that is high in antioxidants, supports the immune system and may help combat obesity? The kumquat tea is an all in one benefit beverage as it is not only beneficial to your health, but it tastes good as well. Who wouldn’t want something deliciously healthy?
Preparation Of Tra Cam
Even though several people would prefer drinking Tra Cam as it is, it may be too sour for some of us. If you prefer a slight sweetness, you may add a spoonful of honey in your Tra Cam. This will decrease the tanginess in the drink and giving a more sweet hint in your taste buds. Since it might be hard to get access to kumquat in certain areas, you may find this drink in any local Vietnamese restaurants in your community. If you happened to see kumquats in your market or local grocery stores, you could make this on your own!
Just peel off some kumquats’ skin, add hot water into your cup, pour in a dash of honey and you are ready to enjoy your evening with this cup of hot sweet drink.
Where to find Kumquat Tea (Trà Cam) in Malaysia?
If you’re wondering where to find such a wholesome drink, head on over to Vietnam Mama’s Kitchen to sip on some Kumquat tea. You can always log on to foodpanda and have your favourite Vietnamese dishes and beverages delivered right at your doorstep.
