How to Make Tea With Dried Herbs
Tea lovers know there is nothing more satisfying on a cold day than the scent of a perfectly brewed cup of tea wafting up to your nose. For those who prefer herbal teas, packages of mint, chamomile, hibiscus and rose hips crowd the tea cupboard. But do we always know exactly what's in those neat little gauze bags? Do we consider just how much they cost? Making tea with dried herbs is so simple and economical, you may never buy tea in a box again. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Make Tea with Dried Herbs
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Determine if you should prepare an infusion or a decoction. An infusion is the most common type of tea drunk in America and what most of us think of when we think of tea. Made from leaves and flowers that give up their flavors easily, infusions generally take about 5 minutes to steep properly. Typically, decoctions are used medicinally and are made from woodier herbs, twigs and roots, such as a dandelion. Decoctions may take up to 20 minutes of gentle simmering for the best results.
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For one cup of tea, boil 1 1/2 cups of water. For an infusion, measure 1 to 2 tsp. of dried herbs into your tea ball or brewing pot. If using a tea ball, place the filled ball into your mug. If using a brewing pot, place the measured herbs into the pot. Pour water over herbs. For the fullest flavor, cover the tea while it's steeping. This will also keep your tea nice and hot while brewing.
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Steep for 3 minutes if you prefer a lighter tea. If you prefer a more robust tea, steep for 5 minutes. Remove the tea ball, or strain from the brewing pot. Add honey or sugar to taste, and enjoy your perfect cup of herbal tea.
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Tips & Warnings
Since some herbs contain bitter flavors, avoid pressing or squeezing the excess water from the brewed herbs after they've steeped.
