Black Sesame Qi Latte

This is my go-to latte that rebuilds your essence, and that I enjoy every day during the yin seasons of autumn and winter.

Most people have never heard of using black rice, black beans and black sesame in a latte. But in TCM, black-coloured foods are kidney-tonifying, meaning they build core energy, stamina, hormone strength, boosts hair growth and water metabolism.

This latte tastes like a nutty, deep, earth mocha without any caffeine crash and ruining your adrenals if you are sensitive.

It’s a drinkable, nourishing warming longevity tonic. Black foods = Kidney Medicine. Winter is the kidney season in TCM.

Ingredients: (Makes 2 lattes)

Night before (soak separately)

• 2 tbsp black beans (soak in 2 cups water)

• 2 tbsp black rice (soak in 2 cups water)

• 2 tbsp black sesame seeds (added directly before blending)

  • Keep the soaked ingredients in the fridge overnight

  Morning of:

• 3 cups filtered water (substitute parts w plant milk if you prefer the taste of those)

• (optional) Sweeteners like honey or jujube dates

  Step-by-Step:

  Put the the beans in a pot and simmer for 30 mins in 2 litres of fresh water, then add the rice and cook for a remaining 30 mins (1 hour in total). Cover the pot w. a lid.

  Once its cooked and cooled, blend the essence in a blender together w. the black sesame. Add more water or plant milk if needed to reach a rich, but still drinkable consistency. Blend until completely smooth - almost like black tahini milk.

  • I like to warm this latte before enjoying it again. I will warm it with either plant milk or water. And I add some whole sesame seeds on top.

  • Sip slowly. This is nourishment for your body and soul! If you drink this every day for extended time, you will feel your hair growing to be thicker, less bloating and puffiness, more balanced hormones = meaning more stable energy and mood.

  • Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually make a portion for two days, so I can enjoy a latte every morning.