Shark's fin melon barley drink

  

It's the norm that the CNY period is always hot and humid.  This scenario is further aggravated by the constant baking and deep frying of CNY goodies in the kitchen.  Thus, this prompted me to make this barley drink with shark's fin melon to help cool down our system as we really need plenty of this cooling drink in this hot weather.

Shark's fin melon grown in the Cameron Highlands.  Why is it called shark's fin melon?  You'll see in a minute.

Upon  cooking, the flesh of the melon can be taken out in shreds and don't they resemble shark's fin?

 This crunchy 'shark's fin' drink is indeed very refreshing and nutritious, and it can be taken warm or chilled ...... Gulp, gulp!

Recipe for Shark's fin melon barley drink

Ingredients

• 900 gm shark's fin melon
• 30 gm barley
• 200 gm  preserved honey dates
• 3.5 litre water
• Rock sugar to taste

Preparation

1. Wash the melon, cut off the skin and chop the melon into 6 pieces.
2. In a pot, add in 3.5 litre water, barley , preserved honey dates and chopped melon.
3. Let it boil for about 1.1/2 hours on medium and low heat.
4. Taste for sweetness and rock sugar can be added as desired.
5. Use a spoon to scrape off the 'shark's fin' from the melon.
6. Ladle into bowls and serve.
7. Can be served warm or chilled.