A quick womb-warming red dates paste with just 3 ingredients

Prepare this superfood red date paste and store it in the fridge ready for when you need a quick energy boost. It is particularly beneficial for women's health such as post-mensus and postpartum recovery, but also great for recovery from a cold or flu or to support low energy from iron deficiency.

Red dates are most well known in TCM for its warming properties to nourish and build Blood as well as support the spleen and stomach, and calm the mind.

Simply enjoy a few scoops with boiling water as a tea. Sweetening with Chinese brown sugar or your preferred sweetener. Alternatively, use it as a natural sweetener in baking or cooking.

Ingredients

• 2 packed cups of red dates, washed
• 50g ginger, grated
• Boiling water (enough to cover the red dates)

Method

1. Prepare the Red Dates: Pit the seeds from the red dates and cut them into quarters lengthwise. I used a red dates pitter, but you can also slice the red dates in half to remove the pit.
2. Soften the Red Dates: Place the red dates into a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes or until they become soft.
3. Drain and Reserve: Drain the softened red dates, reserving the soaking liquid.
4. Blend the Red Dates and Ginger: Add the softened red dates and grated ginger into a food processor. Blend on high until smooth. Periodically stop to scrape down the sides and add reserved red date juice a spoonful at a time, aiming for a smooth, paste-like consistency. Avoid adding too much liquid to preserve the flavor.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze into cubes.
6. (Optional) For a richer paste, transfer it to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The paste will darken in color.

• For a smoother paste without red date skin, manually mash the softened dates through a sieve to remove the skins, then blend in the grated ginger, rather than using a food processor.

• Enjoy the red date paste as a tea by mixing a few spoonfuls of paste with boiling water and sweetening it with Chinese brown sugar or your preferred sweetener. Alternatively, use it as a natural sweetener in baking or cooking.

View instagram reel here.