Green Apple with Asam Boi

In the busy streets of night markets or at local restaurants, there are many delicious local drinks available. One of the favourite thirst quenchers is green apple juice with dried preserved plum which is also known as Asam Boi.

In humid tropical countries like Singapore or Malaysia, this drink is even more enjoyable when paired with spicy and tangy dishes such as curry prawns with pineapple (udang masak lemak).

Asam Boi is also known as Li Hing Mui or Lui Hang Mui in the Cantonese dialect. The term "lui hang" means traveling while "mui" refers to plum. As Asam Boi is usually consumed to help cure motion sickness, thus it is known to be a companion to many during their travels. In other countries, Asam Boi powder is used in gummy candies, rice crackers and even alcoholic drinks.

Besides the usual white ones, there is another version which is red in colour. However, in this drink, only the white Asam Boi is used. It is added for its light hint of tartness in bringing some sweetness and saltiness to the drink as it is coated with powdered salt and sugar.

This basic recipe uses green apple juice and Asam Boi. Here are other ideas you can use to tweak the recipe to your personal preference and make it more fun.

Honey instead of sugar

White sugar is usually added to the drink. Since green apples are quite tart in taste, sugar helps to make the drink more pleasant. Replace sugar with other sweeteners such as honey or stevia. However, it would be best to keep to the natural flavours without any added sweeteners.

Fresh mint

Mint is known for its calming and soothing benefits. Fresh mint when added to drinks gives an invigorating scent and a mild spicy flavour that makes the drink very refreshing. Fresh mint also stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorbs fat and makes it into usable energy. This specific benefit of mint may aid in weight loss plans.

Serve frozen

When the weather is scorching, enjoy the drink as a popsicle. Pour the drink into popsicle moulds. Do not forget to add an Asam Boi into each popsicle for that is where the fun is. The sweetness and the light hint of sourness in the popsicle will be a delightful treat. Freeze for at least six hours before serving.