By Liz Thomson
The art of tea-making sounds simple. But with improving knowledge and innovative ideas, tea-making provides an exciting and limitless adventure for all tea-lovers who connect, explore and interact along with a cup of tea. Whether it is Indian bed tea or a Japanese tea ceremony, this art has come a long way. Tea tops the list of most popular beverage across the world. Tea volume is seeing annual growth of 2.8 percent, and by 2021 there is expected to be an additional 31 billion liters of tea consumed annually.
Beyond refreshment, tea has innumerable health benefits. Research shows a daily cup of teas can reduce stress and improve mental health. Further, it contains components like polyphenols that may reduce chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. One of the richest sources of antioxidants, it protects the body from free radicals that contribute to aging and diseases. Tea lovers are now infusing fruits and herbs to make yet another powerful concoction: infused teas. These teas are full of vitamins, minerals and flavonoids that provide a tasty drink full of goodness. Here are four such recipes that can boost the benefits of your tea whenever you try it.
Kahwa
It is a Himalayan drink that is prepared with powerful Indian spices. Aromatic and flavorful, Kahwa is served hot to warm the body in the cold climate.
Prep time- 10 minutes
Yield- 2 servings
Ingredients:
● 4 teaspoons green tea leaves (preferably Kashmir green tea)
● 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
● ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
● ½ teaspoon clove powder
● 2 tablespoon sugar
● 8-10 chopped almonds
● 8-10 strands of saffron
● 2 cups (16 oz) of water
Instructions:
● Place a pan with water on the stove
● As water comes to a boil, add sugar and green tea
● Remove from the flame and add the spices powder and saffron
● Let the tea sit for 2-3 minutes before straining
● Serve hot with chopped almonds on the top
Ginger Cardamom Tea
This tea makes you feel better inside out as it relieves the symptoms of cold and flu, and detoxifies and enhances metabolism.
Cooking time- 10 minutes
Yield- 2 servings
Ingredients:
● 2 tablespoons lemon juice
● 4 tablespoons honey
● 1 inch crushed ginger
● ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
● 2 black tea bags
● 2 cups (16 oz) of water
Instructions:
● In a pan, boil water with cardamom powder and ginger
● Strain and add tea bags
● Steep for 3-4 minutes
● Stir in the honey and lemon juice as per your preference
Chamomile, Strawberry & Orange Tea
The perfect blend of comforting chamomile and energizing citrus fruits can reduce stress and boost immunity.
Cooking time- 10 minutes
Yield- 2 servings
Ingredients:
● 8 strawberries (sliced into halves)
● 4 orange slices
● 2 Chamomile tea bags
● Honey or agave as per taste
● 3 cups (24 oz) of water
Instructions:
● Brew the tea in one cup of water
● Take two canning jars
● Add a cup of water in each jar
● Place 4 strawberry halves and 2 orange slices in each jar
● Add an equal amount of steeped tea and honey in the jars. Stir well
● Cover the lid and refrigerator for an hour or two. It is best to keep it overnight until all ingredients blend well. For an instant drink, replace the fruits with its juices as per your taste.
● Serve chilled.
CBD Infused Tea
CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychotropic component of cannabis. Delicious and healthy, this tea can improve mood, reduce anxiety and stress, decrease pain and even treat insomnia. You can purchase CBD tea bags and other products from online dispensaries or cannabis stores.
Cooking Time- 10 minutes
Yield- 2 servings
Ingredients:
● 2 cinnamon sticks, ½ inches long
● 2 lemon wedges
● 2 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
● 2 cups (16 oz) of hot water
● 2 CBD tea bags
● 2 tablespoons (or as per taste) almond milk
Instructions:
● In a cup, add a cinnamon stick, lemon wedge, and agave nectar/honey
● Add a tea bag and fill the cup with hot water
● Let the tea bag stand for 3-5 minutes. For a strong brew, let it remain for 5-7 minutes
● Remove the bag and add almond milk. You can even replace it with soy milk, dairy milk or coffee creamer as per your choice
● Repeat to make the other hot cup of fresh tea
Tea is the most versatile drink. Either hot or cold, you can infuse several ingredients to make it healthy, tasty, and rejuvenating. So, if you’re planning for a tea-party or having some exclusive "me" time, try these recipes to make your tea time exceptional.