Herbal teas are increasingly popular and a great way to use some of the fresh herbs in your garden. All of the following recipes are easily prepared using your favorite French Press and hot water. Add additional leaves, gently broken, as garnish along with sliced fresh fruit including apples, lemons, grapefruit, and peaches. When making tea from fresh herbs use more leaves and stem, gently bruised, to increase flavor and let rest for a longer period of time. Prepare about 1 tablespoon of the fresh or dried herb per cup of tea.
Lemon Balm Tea
1 - Quart boiling water
6-8 Tablespoons fresh Lemon Balm leaves, gently crushed
Add to French Press and let steep 5-10 minutes
Add fresh lemon rind curls for garnish
Iced Lemon Balm Tea
Allow the tea to cool completely
Add freshly pinched Lemon Balm leaves to the tea to create a richer lemon flavor
Pour over ice and garnish with a slice of grapefruit or curled lemon rinds
Mint Tea
Mint is a bright and refreshing herb and an excellent tea served warm or cool. The herb has hundreds of varietals varying in sweetness and intensity. Crush the leaves gently to release the aromatic oils and infuse the water.
1 - Quart boiling water
8 - Tablespoons fresh Mint, gently crushed
Add to French Press and let steep 10-20 minutes
Add additional Mint leaves to glass for garnish
Serve warm
Iced Mint Tea
Allow French Press to cool completely
Pour tea over ice
Add 1 - apple sliced thin and added to glass for garnish
*Iced tea can be kept in the refrigerator overnight
Anise Hyssop
Anise has a smooth licorice taste with a mild sweetness. Try making this tea warm by adding hot water to a french press with Anise Hyssop leaves and let steep. Allow the tea to cool and pour over ice for a refreshing summer beverage. Add fresh anise hyssop leaves and flowers for garnish.
1 - Quart boiling water
6-8 tablespoons fresh Anise Hyssop leaves, gently crushed
Add to French Press and let steep 5-10 minutes
Serve warm with a touch of local honey or agave
Iced Anise Hyssop Tea
While the tea is still warm, add your favorite sweetener and stir until completely dissolved. Allow the tea to cool completely.
Pour over ice and add fresh leaves as garnish.
For richer flavor, add additional fresh leaves to the cooled tea and place in the refrigerator overnight.