Ku Ding Cha (“Bitter Needle Tea”)

During our last visit to China, we came across ku ding cha, or “bitter needle tea,” the ku is the same ku as ku gua (bitter melon).  We bought a box from the tea merchant.  Here is the Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuding_tea.

"Bitter Needles"

The tea merchant recommended using two needles for three to four infusions.  The tea merchant warned us not to drink ku ding cha on an empty stomach.  This is what the leaves look like after sitting in hot water for a few minutes.

Ku Ding Cha

Our Qi Master friend said the tea is good for reducing cholesterol, washing toxins from the body, and lowering blood pressure (amongst other benefits).  One of The Cat’s friends has been drinking ku ding cha on a regular basis and swears it helps his cholesterol and blood pressure.

The taste is definitely an acquired taste.  It is rather bitter.  The taste is comparable to eating bitter melon.  The difference with bitter melon and ku ding cha is that usually, the bitterness of the bitter melon is somewhat offset by cooking it with meat or seasoned with salt, sugar, herbs, or spices.  The taste of ku ding cha is unadulterated.  Since I like ku gua, the taste of ku ding cha is not an issue.  There is a slight sweet aftertaste in the ku ding cha.

I’m not sure if the ku ding cha is contributing to my weight loss but this was my weight in mid-March.

A Heavy Mouse

I started drinking ku ding cha, around the later part of May, after returning from our trip.  This is my weight a few days ago:

A Lighter Mouse

I would like to think the ku ding cha is contributing to healthier eating.  I usually drink a couple of large cups throughout the day.

This is the first time I’ve weighed less than 200 pounds for a long time.

The Mouse wants to float like a butterfly.  Wish me luck. 🙂