If you are growing any mint in your garden you are probably looking for ways to use it. Mint is a rapid grower and take over a garden pretty quick. One great use for mint is to make tea also known as an herbal infusion.
An herbal infusion is a method of extracting flavor and nutrients from plant material. Herbal tea is a water based infusion. In part 2 I will talk about oil and vinegar based infusions. Herbal teas are great tasting, good for your health and couldn’t be easier to make.Here’s how:
How to Make an Herbal Infusion – Herbal Tea
1 c. fresh flowers or leaves (well washed and dried) or ½ c dried (adjust as you like)
Place them in a quart jar.
Boil water and add it to the plant material. Cover with a lid.
Let steep for about an hour (adjust as you like – the longer the stronger – even overnight )
Strain and drink right away or place in the refrigerator to avoid spoilage. Keeps for up to 3 days.
Safety note: Sanitize your jars first by running them through the dishwasher.
Suggested Herbs
Mints – apple, peppermint, pineapple, orange, chocolate
Lemon – lemon balm, lemon verbena, lemon basil
Licorice – anise hyssop
Floral – lavender, rose petals, peony petals
About Patti Estep
Great idea Patti. I make sun tea all the time. Now I will add in the herbs you suggest. Pinning!
Thanks for sharing how to make herbal tea. We are cultivating our end of Summer herbs and looking for different ways to use them. Definitely going to make this tea…
This is great and I’ve often gone this route when I am making red raspberry or clover infusion. I used to make it in a big pot first, but I have found the mason jar cut out a little work. Since my leaves are smaller, I’m wondering if you have any ideas on how to contain them so straining them is easier.
so glad to have found you on Find Your Voice Friday.