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Guess what? Today we’re going to embrace one of life’s pick-me-ups! We’re going to make our own tea using dried herbs. Yep, I know. We all probably have perfectly good and ready-to-brew tea bags already in the pantry. But today is different.
Today we celebrate a moment of pause.
What is a moment of pause, you ask? A moment of pause is picking one thing that you are doing on rote and decide right here and now to elevate the experience surrounding it. Instead of reaching in your pantry and grabbing that chamomile, green tea, or peppermint tea bag, you’re going to pivot and shop your spices and herbs.
Making your own tea from dried herbs is so easy it’s silly we aren’t doing it more often. Besides the fact that it is often quite cheaper than pre-made tea, there is the satisfaction of making up your own concoctions. Experimenting. Who know? You might come upon a winning combination that you package and start selling on etsy. (I can always say I knew you before you were famous.)
There are really only three elements to making your own tea. You’ll need access to dried herbs, hot water, and a loose-leaf strainer.
Dried herbs
There are many places to source dried herbs. Your local natural grocers or coop often have a section of herbs and spices where you can pay by the ounce. This is a great way to experiment and work with different combinations. Specialty retailers such as Spice and Tea exchange have single herbs such as parsley, lemongrass, lavender, rose petals, peppermint, and chamomile. Amazon and other online sources will often sell herbs in bulk, although I highly recommend finding a more local source were you are ensued of freshness. Lastly, why not grow herbs and dry them out? I did this last year with a stevia plant and kick myself for letting it die off before setting aside leaves to dry out.
Hot water
Filtered is the best, especially if you live in an area with hard water as I do. Hard water often will not allow the herbs to brew as pure as they should. Use filtered water and you’ll be good to go. Boiling water is key to purifying water but always remember to let the water stop the boil before pouring over your tealeaves. Several years ago I ditched the stove teakettle and started using this Bonavita electric kettle. It quickly heats up and the long spout makes it a joy to pour.
Loose-leaf strainer
There are tons of tea strainer options out there and I have probably tried them all over the years. I stick to an unbleached loose-leaf tea filter bag by Rishi. Think of it as a coffee filter for your tea. They are ample and once you put your herbs into the pocket, tuck in the ends and viola. You are ready to pour and let steep for 7-10 minutes.
I have a few recipes to get you started on your tea journey. All you have to do is open your pantry, grab a few dried herbs, heat some water, make yourself a nice cup of tea, grab a magazine, and celebrate a moment of pause.
Joyfully Calm Tea
Makes 8 ounce cup of tea
Ingredients
2 teaspoons dried chamomile flower
½ teaspoon dried peppermint leaf
½ teaspoon dried lemon verbena
Instructions
Combine herbs.
Place in loose-leaf filter bag and place in tea mug.
Heat water.
Pour water over tea bag and steep for 7 minutes.
Remove bag and enjoy.
Kick Start Tea
Makes 8 ounce cup of tea
Ingredients
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaf
Instructions
Combine herbs.
Place in loose-leaf filter bag and place in tea mug.
Heat water.
Pour water over tea bag and steep for 7 minutes.
Remove bag and enjoy.
What are ways that you like to celebrate a moment of pause?
Happy brewing.
Eat well, my friends. Eat well.
Lyndi
