Steeping Your Simply Fresh Herbal Tea

Welcome to the world of herbal teas!

While the name “tea” has been attached to this beverage, it is actually a tisane or herbal infusion. The herbal infusion is made by steeping various parts of plants like flowers, roots, bark, leaves, fruits, or spices in water. This infusion is naturally caffeine-free and uses no leaves from the tea plant. The art of steeping tea is fun to explore, and depending on your flavor preference, you can adjust the profile by the amount of time you steep your herbal blend and the amount of water you use. I encourage keeping a journal and trying varying steeping times, water temperatures, and herbal blends. The variations are endless and help create an experience that teases your senses!

Here are a few tips to get you started on your journey of herbal infusion making!

Hot Tea Tips:

Herbs do not like rapidly boiling water. Use filtered water that has just started to show bubbles when heating.

Steep Covered. Pour your filtered hot water over the herbs and allow to steep for 5-7 minutes covered. This keeps the essential oils from escaping and adds to your flavor profile.

Time to Steep: Longer doesn’t necessarily mean better in the world of herbal steeping. Experiment with the changes in flavor if you choose 5, 7, or 10 minutes.

Find your most desirable flavor. Steep more than once. I steep my herbal blend twice and enjoy a second cup from just one serving size!

If you enjoy a sweeter cup, add honey or your favorite homemade syrup to sweeten!

Iced Tea Tips:

Iced tea is a favorite during our hot summer months! There are two methods that I use:

Method #1:

1) Make hot tea as described under the “Hot Tea Tips”

2) Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.

3) Refrigerate/Pour over ice

Method #2:

Simply place your tea in water and refrigerate overnight. The herbs will steep in the refrigerator and be ready the next day!