Longan and Yam Dessert Soup

Ingredients

1 large yam (mine was about 6" by 4"), skinned and cubed
1 cup dried longan, pre-soaked for 15 to 20 minutes
1 whole dried tangerine peel, pre-soaked for about 5 minutes
2 slices of brown sugar
Water (have no clue how much I used, maybe 10 to 12 cups or more? Just make sure it's more than enough to cover all ingredients)
Pinch of salt

1. Bring water to a high boil.
2. Add in tangerine peel and longan. Cover and boil for 20 to 25 minutes on medium to low heat.
3. Add diced up yams, cover and boil on medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add a pinch of salt and brown sugar slices.
5. Boil the soup until the sugar melts.
6. Close the heat and allow the soup to sit (with lid on) for 20 to 30 minutes. This also allows the flavour of all the ingredients to come out and flavour each other.
7. Soup can be eaten hot, room temperature, or cold. My personal favorite is at room temperature.

Health Benefits

Longan - source of iron and fiber, improve concentration and memory, ease stomach aches, insomnia, and poison.
Yam - protect against heart disease, improve blood sugar and weight control, relax muscles and joint pains, anti-inflammatory food, source of female hormone, source of potassium, lower cholesterol, source of fiber.
Tangerine Peel - improve digestion, treat infections, treat stomach and liver problems.