WINES
1 min readWINES
The term “wine,” jiu in Chinese, refers not to European grape wine but to spirits—generally rice spirits or that of sorghum or other grains. The wines described below are suitable as after-dinner drinks. Their function is not merely curative; they can be taken for prevention, as a tonic, or simply for the enjoyment of their flavor.A medicinal dosage for these wines is 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) two times a day. Wine that is used for medicinal purposes, normally a white wine, should be kept between 50°F and 60°F.
Walnut, Almond, and Jujube Wine
This wine stimulates blood circulation and improves complexion, reinforces qi, and stops premature graying of the hair. It is good for shortness of breath and lower back pain, and for lack of energy due to deficiency of the lungs and the kidneys.
¼ cup (50 grams) almond meats
Water for soaking
½ cup (100 grams) walnut meats
½ cup (100 grams) jujube (Chinese dates)
4 cups (1 liter) rice wine, or sake
Soak the almonds in hot water for 2 hours and remove the skin. Use a mortar and pestle or stone grinder to grind the almonds and the walnuts into a powder. Put the powder in a large (at least 4-pint or 2-liter) bottle along with the jujube. Add the rice wine, seal the bottle, and let stand to macerate for at least 20 days before drinking.
