I remembered I had this purple drink for the first time many many years ago in a shop in KL but couldn't recall back where is the place now. I remember the owner showing to me the plant in purple planted in front of her shop.
The fleshy leaves are green on the surface with purple shades underneath. I believe not many people have tried this before or doesn't even know that it is actually edible.
This unique purple color plant named Rhoeo Discolor or also known as Oyster Plant, Moses in the Cradle, Moses-in-a-basket, Boat Lily. It's Chinese name - 荷包兰、青红兰、红竹叶、如意兰、海蚌念珠、蚶花，蚌兰叶、红蚌兰叶、紫万年青、紫蒀、紫兰、红面将军、血见愁.
If you notice, this plant usually grows around the neighbourhood or sometimes by the roadside or some garden under the trees.
Look at the flowers, shape like an oyster with white color flowers inside.
This is planted at my house. Though Rhoeo does enjoy full or partial shade, but I just put it under hot sun & just water it 2 times weekly. If watered too often, the root will rot. It's fast growing & quite easy to take care. It will blooms some white flower that resembles the oyster shape. Now you know how it's name comes by.
This is also known as a herb plant in Mexico. This herb is quite popular in some parts of China. It is believe to have cooling effects to our body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this Rhoeo is good for cold, coughing phlegm with blood & nose bleeding & sore throat.
Although Oyster Plant can be ornament plant or medicinal plant, some sources said claims it might cause poisonous to skin when contacted the water sap. It will cause serious eczema & dermatitis. Take it with full caution & handle with care. Before you know whether you are allergic to it, better to use a gloves when washing the leaves. So that the sap/juice from the leaves doesn't come directly in contact to your skin. (But I don't feel anything even not wearing gloves)
As Rhoeo by itself is rather plain in taste, I have added barley & winter melon to it. Here's the recipe for Purple Rhoeo with Barley Drink.
Ingredients :
1.6L Water
6pcs Rhoeo Leaves
3-4 pcs Candied Winter Melon
40g Barley
Rock Sugar to taste
Step by Step :
1. Rinse barley & Rhoeo Leaves.
2. Put all the ingredients in a pot & bring to boil.
3. Reduce to low heat & simmer for 1 hour.
4. Add rock sugar to taste
5. Drink is ready. Serve warm or chilled.
Cooked with Queen's Xense Casserole Marble Coated Anodised Coating. Non stick 5 layer marble coating. Durable & Long Lasting. High heat efficiency. Easy cleaning & maintenance.
More details please visit: http://www.edgi.com.my