Herbal Teas
Red Date, Walnut & Black Soybean Milk
Red Date, Walnut & Black Soybean Milk is a nourishing homemade beverage that perfectly blends the sweetness of red dates, the nutty richness of walnuts, and the deep bean flavor of black soybeans. Black soybeans, known as the “king of beans,” nourish the kidneys, benefit essence, and support hair and skin health. Walnuts, shaped like the brain, have long been regarded as a brain-boosting, kidney-nourishing, and lung-warming tonic. Red dates tonify the middle, benefit qi, nourish blood, and calm the mind. When blended together, no additional sugar is needed – the drink is naturally sweet, smooth, and creamy, with layers of nutty, date, and bean aromas. It is especially suitable for those with qi and blood deficiency, mental workers, students, middle-aged and elderly individuals, and daily wellness in autumn and winter.
Main Ingredients
- Black soybeans 50g
- Walnut kernels 20-30g
- Red dates (jujubes) 5-8 pieces
- Soybeans 20g
- Water 800-1000ml
- Rock sugar or white sugar to taste
Steps
Soak 50g of black soybeans in water for 6-8 hours (or overnight) until fully expanded and skins slightly split. Remove any bad beans and rinse. If using 20g of soybeans, soak them together for 6-8 hours. Soak 20-30g of walnut kernels in warm water for 15 minutes to remove surface astringency and impurities. For a richer flavor, dry-roast in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, then cool. Rinse 5-8 red dates, remove the pits, and cut into small pieces. Note: Date pits are considered warming and drying; removing them is recommended.
Put the soaked black soybeans (and soybeans, if using), walnuts, and red date pieces into a soy milk maker or high-speed blender. Add 800-1000ml of water (to the middle water line). Select the “five-grain soy milk” or “soy milk” mode and start. Wait about 20-25 minutes until the program completes.
Strain through a fine sieve for a smoother texture if desired. Red dates provide natural sweetness, so no additional sugar is generally needed. Add rock sugar or white sugar to taste if preferred. Drink warm, 1 cup (about 250-300ml) daily.
TCM Notes
Black Soybeans: Contain approximately 36g protein and 10.2g dietary fiber per 100g. Rich in anthocyanins, soy isoflavones, vitamin E, and minerals including calcium, iron, and zinc. Known for nourishing the kidneys, benefiting essence, invigorating blood, and promoting diuresis. Black soybean milk has a purine content of approximately 6.74-8.76 mg/100g, classified as a low-purine food. Walnut Kernels: Contain approximately 15g protein, 65g fat (mostly linoleic and linolenic acids – unsaturated fatty acids), vitamin E, and magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc per 100g. Known for nourishing the kidneys, warming the lungs, boosting brain function, and moistening the intestines. The α-linolenic acid in walnuts can be converted to DHA in the body, supporting brain health. Red Dates: Contain approximately 67g carbohydrates, vitamin C, and minerals including iron and calcium per 100g of dried dates. Known for tonifying the middle, benefiting qi, nourishing blood, calming the mind, and harmonizing other ingredients. Cyclic AMP in red dates helps regulate immunity and protect the cardiovascular system. Synergistic Effect: Black soybeans nourish the kidneys, walnuts boost brain function, and red dates nourish blood – regulating the kidneys, spleen, and brain. The natural sweetness of red dates balances the slight astringency of black soybeans, while walnuts add richness. Total approx. 350-400 kcal (unsweetened, entire batch), 20-24g protein – a high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate beverage rich in unsaturated fatty acids.
Suitable for：Those with qi and blood deficiency, sallow complexion, and easy fatigue Mental workers, students, and those with memory decline Those with kidney deficiency, lower back pain, prematurely gray hair, or dry hair Those with insomnia, excessive dreaming, and restlessness Those with constipation due to intestinal dryness (walnuts moisten the intestines; black soybeans are rich in fiber) General population for autumn-winter wellness and breakfast pairing
Not suitable for：Diabetes patients – red dates are high in sugar and have a relatively high glycemic index; control portion size and reduce staple food intake accordingly Those with diarrhea or loose stools – walnuts moisten the intestines, and black soybeans and red dates are rich in fiber; may worsen diarrhea Acute gout / hyperuricemia patients – dry black soybeans are high in purine; avoid during flare-ups; consume sparingly during remission Those with renal insufficiency – black soybeans contain plant protein, and red dates are high in potassium; portion size must be under medical guidance Those with phlegm-heat cough or yin deficiency with internal heat – walnuts and red dates are warm in nature and may promote internal heat Those with weak digestion, bloating, or acid reflux – black soybeans and walnuts are gas-producing or high-fat foods that may worsen bloating Those in weight management – walnuts and red dates are calorie-dense; control portion size Those allergic to black soybeans, walnuts, or red dates Infants and young children – digestive systems are delicate; soy milk may cause bloating. Small amounts only
