Recent or dried, natural teas are a flavoursome various to common tea, and may be simply the tonic we might all use this January, whether or not it’s a digestif after a meal, a soothing sip in case you have a chilly, or perhaps a pick-me-up.
The Samaritans charity is holding its annual fundraiser, Brew Monday, on Jan 18 (the third Monday of the 12 months, now typically referred to as Blue Monday), in an effort to carry the nation’s spirits by encouraging individuals to get collectively over a warming digital cuppa.
There’s nothing worse than feeling alone, and making the time to have a cup of tea with a pal, neighbour or member of the family is one thing we are able to do over Zoom or FaceTime – so this 12 months, why not attempt a natural brew?
I’ve at all times grown herbs in some kind or different: a herb-filled border in my mother and father’ backyard after I was about eight; on the 2ft sq. flat roof of my first flat (which, wanting again, was clearly when my ardour for gardening began as a result of I might solely attain this tiny house by climbing out of the Velux window on to a precariously positioned chair, after which stepping down on to a skinny strip of bitumen, the one spot not taken up with pots and containers); on window sills in all of the kitchens I’ve ever rented or owned, and, most not too long ago, in actual borders in my city backyard.
I might even argue that when you might solely develop one plant, make it a herb… if pressed, I might say lemon verbena (or possibly mint).
Simple to develop, herbs are a one-stop store for the kitchen and drugs cupboard. However by far the only method to get pleasure from their goodness is infusing their leaves or flowers in scorching water to drink as a refreshing tea.
Louise Allen, co-founder of Teapigs (specialists in sustainably sourced, loose-leaf infusions in eco-friendly packaging), champions natural teas for his or her restorative powers.
“Now we have a tea referred to as Teapigs Joyful Tea. We all know it’s a stretch to suppose {that a} tea could make you content, however it is a mix of turmeric and lemon balm, which has uplifting qualities; it places a smile in your face even in January.”
And if this doesn’t tickle your taste- buds, attempt lemon verbena, camomile, or rosemary and thyme, that are additionally thought of to be joyful herbs.
“The beauty of natural teas is there are totally different teas for various functions,” provides Allen. “Camomile flowers assist sleep. Peppermint aids digestion. Liquorice and mint is an ideal various to a candy deal with. When you’ve got contemporary mint within the backyard it’s scrumptious and straightforward to make at residence.”
As my herb-growing historical past demonstrates, you don’t want a lot house when you’d prefer to attempt your hand at making your individual natural teas: pot-grown herbs from supermarkets are a superb choice for a kitchen windowsill and can present a year-round provide of contemporary pickings.
In the event you do have a backyard, balcony or window ledge, purchase seeds, plugs or crops from a good backyard centre or specialist nursery resembling jekkas.com; they provide the data you want about herbs’ culinary and medicinal makes use of.
Discussion about this post