Q. I read in your column about persimmon punch helping ease acid reflux. I have terrible reflux and would love to know how to make this drink. Can you please tell me?
A. The original report on persimmon punch helping reflux came from a woman who sampled it in a Korean restaurant. She had tried unsuccessfully to stop taking her acid-suppressing drug, but the heartburn kept coming back:
“Someone ordered Persimmon Punch, a concentrated cinnamon-ginger drink, for dessert. A few sips later, I felt fantastic. After a month of adding 3 tablespoons of the cinnamon-ginger drink to my tea morning and night, my heartburn was in control.”
We found the following recipe for persimmon punch on the Food Network Web site, courtesy of Hyungshin Song: Combine 2 quarts of water, ½ cup of thinly sliced fresh ginger and 3 cinnamon sticks. Simmer for ½ hour. Strain the liquid and stir in 1 and ½ cup sugar and 1 cup of sliced dried persimmons. Chill in the refrigerator overnight and serve cold.
