Five-Nut Oil Tea

Five-Nut Oil Tea

　　“Five-Nut Oil Tea” The term “oil tea” originates from “tea oil,” also known as “camellia seed oil,” and refers to a therapeutic soup-like dish. According to *The Medical Cases of Wang*, “A paste made by mixing tea oil with cooked flour is called ‘oil tea.’ Adding five kinds of nuts can cure all ailments.” Selling oil tea involves using tin to craft a kettle that is large-bellied with a long spout, featuring an opening at the top, a lid, and shaped like a big gourd. It is wrapped in cloth for warmth, with a soft strap on top so it can be carried over the shoulder, making it convenient to walk the streets and alleys or hawk in busy markets and entertainment venues.

　　Someone once wrote a poem about Five-Nut Oil Tea: “They say ‘five nuts’ aren’t five men, yet each nut has virtue and charms. Boiled and stirred with tender care, with oil tea they’re all the same.”