If you are looking for a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the flavours of the Mediterranean, you might want to try using some of the herbs and flowers that grow in this region as teas. Not only do they have a delicious taste and aroma, but they also have many benefits for your health and well-being.
One of the most popular Mediterranean herbs for tea is hibiscus. Hibiscus is a flowering plant that produces bright red or pink petals that can be dried and steeped in hot water. Hibiscus tea has a tart and fruity flavour that can be sweetened with honey or sugar. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals, and it can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. Hibiscus tea is also known to have a cooling effect on the body, and at The Spice House we especially enjoy it iced on hot summer days.
There are many other Mediterranean herbs and flowers that can be used as teas, such as lemon verbena, Greek mountain tea, lavender, rosemary, mint, chamomile, sage, thyme, and more. You can experiment with different combinations and proportions to create your own unique blends. You can also add other ingredients like lemon, ginger, cinnamon, or honey to enhance the flavour and benefits of your teas.
Whether you are looking for a new way to spice up your beverages, or you want to reap the health benefits of natural ingredients, using Mediterranean herbs and flowers as teas is a wonderful option.
Mint: Mint is one of the most versatile and refreshing herbs that you can use for tea. It has a cooling effect on the body and can help with headaches, nausea, indigestion, and stress. You can use fresh or dried mint leaves to make a simple infusion, or you can add other ingredients like lemon, honey, or ginger for extra flavour and benefits. One of our favourites is Moroccan mint tea: A traditional drink made with green tea, fresh mint leaves, and sugar.
Lavender: Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that can help you relax and sleep better. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can reduce anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Another favourite of ours is Lavender lemonade: A delicious drink made with fresh lavender flowers, lemon juice, water, and sugar or honey.
Other examples of Mediterranean herb teas are:
- Basil tea: A refreshing tea with a sweet and spicy flavour. It can help relieve headaches, colds, coughs, sore throats, and stress.
- Oregano tea: A savoury tea with a pungent and earthy flavour. It can help fight infections, improve respiratory health, lower cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Rosemary tea: A fragrant tea with a pine-like aroma. It can help boost memory, improve concentration, ease headaches, and stimulate hair growth.
- Thyme tea: A herbal tea with a warm and minty flavour. It can help soothe coughs, clear congestion, relieve menstrual cramps, and prevent urinary tract infections.
How to make Mediterranean herb / flower teas
Making your own Mediterranean herb / flower teas is easy and fun. You can use fresh or dried herbs, depending on what you have available and what you prefer. You can also mix different herbs / flowers together to create your own blends and flavours.
- Boil some water in a kettle or a pot.
- Place about one teaspoon of dried herbs or one tablespoon of fresh herbs per cup of water in a teapot or a mug.
- Pour the boiling water over the herbs and cover with a lid or a saucer.
- Let the tea steep for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
- Strain the tea into another cup or mug and enjoy it hot or cold.
- You can also add some honey, lemon juice, or milk to your tea if you like.
All of these teas can be enjoyed iced on a hot Cyprus summer’s day! Happy tea drinking!
For more recipes or info visit www.spiceandeasycyprus.com
or call us on +357 99104622
