Mint Tea, A Friendly Beverage with Health Benefits
Mint Leaves for Refreshing Flavor
Cool green leaves can be used fresh or dried.
Mint Tea Medicinal Effects
Even when it is served piping hot, there is something refreshing about the flavor of mint. Mint leaves have an antioxidant known as rosmarinic acid, which is anti-inflammatory and considered for relieving allergies.
It was an important plant in medicinal herb gardens of yore, as well as a delicious flavoring for food dishes. But the tea brewed from the leaves has been the simplest way to enjoy it, and the cooling effect of the compounds found in the essential oils create the refreshing feel on a hot summer’s day.
It also has analgesic and anti-spasmodic effects, relieving pain and calming. (1)
In some cultures, it has become a requisite drink that every home serves throughout the day. Moroccan Mint Tea is renowned.
Some like it spiked, and a Mint Julep crossed with sweet tea render a summertime cocktail drink.
Me? My favorite will always be the simplest hot Apple Mint tea brewed fresh from my garden plants.
Cooling Sprig of Mint
Use honey as a sweetener.
Health Benefits of Mentha Leaves
Peppermint tea is used for aiding the digestive track. Helps ease heartburn, indigestion, and nausea; although not recommended for pregnancy.
Mints of all types are widely used as breath fresheners.
Vitamins? Yes, Please
Mints contain many B-complex vitamins, besides being a good source of vitamin K. Vitamin A and beta carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E are also found in the leaves..
Nothing is easier to brew than pure herbal mint tea:
Simply pluck a handful of fresh mint leaves, crush them, add about four cups of boiling water, and infuse for about 5 to 10 minutes. Sweeten or not.
If you would like something more complex, try the recipe below.
It combines the antioxidant properties of green tea, with healthful herbs.
Nutritional Data for Spearmint
Nutrition Facts and Analysis for Spearmint, fresh [mint] It is a good source of Protein, Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus and Zinc, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Riboflavin, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper and Manganese.
Cup of mint tea
The Best Way To Brew Mint Tea
Are you making an herbal drink?
If you have dried mint leaves, put them into a tea strainer and place within a teapot full of boiling water. Steep for minutes.
For fresh mint, take 4 or 5 five inch stalks of mint, lightly crush them and add 4 cups of boiling hot water, and brew in your teapot. Allow a full five minutes to brew.
Or Is A Mint Infused Green Or Black Your Preference?
Making a summer iced tea drink is as easy as brewing “double strength” tea of either green or black tea bags. Adding one tablespoon of coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves to the hot tea, and strain after five minutes.
Cool the tea and serve over ice.
For an excellent batch of tea that yields perfect results every time, use the following recipe.
Tips on Growing Mint And Brewing An Herbal Cup
Cook Time
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ready in: 13 min
Yields: 6
Ingredients
1 to 2 teaspoons Matcha Tea, powder
sprig Thyme
sprig Basil
several sprigs Apple mint, crushed
2 cups Water
Instructions
Crush the sprigs of mint and herbs together.
Pour hot water over the crushed herbs, brew for 10 minutes.
Stir in Matcha powder
Add sweetener if desired.
Serve either hot or iced.
Types Of Mentha For Teas
Mentha × piperita
Better known as peppermint, is long known as a digestive aid. Its flavor either as an herbal tisane or as an additive to China tea is one of the most popular flavors of mint.
The plant is a cross between watermint and spearmint, it is very easy to grow in the garden or in a pot on the windowsill.
Mentha spicata
Spearmint is the flavor of choice for many, because of its milder, more mellow flavor. There are many varieties of this popular culinary herb.
Mentha suaveolens
Apple Mint is my own personal favorite for enjoying as a tea. It has a rich flavor that is mellow, the plant is super easy to grow, and it has other uses (jelly, eaten fresh, a pretty garnish), too.
“Pineapple Mint” is a variegated variant, but I don’t find its flavor is anything near what the wooly, soft green leaves of apple mint produce.
Every garden writer worth their salt will warn you of the thuggery of mint plants. I grow a stand quite well against an out building with strong growing grass edging the perimeter of the planting. The regular mowing keeps the mints in check. But if you have a cultivated flower or herb bed, you might think twice about letting the roots of a Mentha plant have a free run. Better to contain the plant in a pot, buried in the garden.
Grow apple mint as a companion plant near peas, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage, in the vegetable patch. This is my favorite mint tea flavor!
Growing this Herb
My Ten Favorite Herbs In The Herb Garden My private list of ten favorite herbs; the ones I can’t live without. Of course I grow much more than these ten… but this is where I’d begin.
Something about the idea of tea in a garden whispers of zephyr breezes, blue skies, white fluffy clouds on a summers eve. With the soft waft of a rose’s fragrance, it is a perfect time to sit with a garden patterned teapot brimming with hot, amber colored tea and take a quiet break from the busyness of daily life.
Perhaps it is that connection in the mind between the pleasant quiet of a garden and the calming influence that comes with the warmth of the tea, but any day can seem like one that , however briefly, transforms into this early summer scenario.
One of my favorite ways to decompress and relieve stress is to sit down with a pot of hot tea made in a pretty pot, then pour the tea into one of my favorite teacups. Tea things don’t have to match , but I like the pots to handle and pour well, and for the cups to harmonize in style with the teapots.
This post is dedicated to taking a short time of repast with a pot of freshly brewed tea, perhaps a green or an Earl Gray; to step out into the garden and listen to softly buzzing bees, think creative thoughts, and experience the an oasis of time away from demands of tasks and obligations.
A welcome solitude, or an interlude with friends, but a time of refreshment and renewed perspective.
Chinese Garden Teapot
Teapot Thought
Strange how a teapot
Can represent at the same time
The comforts of solitude
And the pleasures of company
From Famous Franz Porcelain
This brand of porcelain work is noteworthy for its beauty of color and artistry. The teapots immediately draw attention because they look like works of art, and not for daily use. But for those who love to bring beauty into their homes, this is one of those kitchen items which serves as both art and use. Franz Porcelain Lily of the Nile Teapot, FZ02616 The company was founded by Francis Chen in Taiwan. There are accomplished artists who design and create many of the special collections. Franz Porcelain Van Gogh Almond flower teapot Franz Fine Porcelain Many of the designs are inspired by nature, so garden themed ware is frequently found in their collections. Franz Porcelain Bamboo Song Bird Design TeapotFranz Porcelain Long Tail Hummingbird Design Teapot Birds on Franz porcelain may not be the ones found in your garden, but they are in a paradise type of garden somewhere in the world. The long tailed sylph hummingbird is a denizen of South America, in countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Their unusual feathers in such jeweled color makes the design a real standout.
Polish Garden Teapot – Polish Pottery
Colorful and decorative, this will bring a warm, bright spot to your decor. Made from Boleslawiec white clay. There are a number of different flower and colors in this line. They have the bright and cheery look of a grandmother’s garden. The decoration reminds me of spongeware for some reason; thought the painting is clearly done by brushwork..
Sunshine Yellow For Morning Teatime – Whimsical Hand Drawn Flowers
Yellow, kitchens, bright daisies – these are so cheering, which is what a breakfast cup of tea ought to be. The flowers look like they were hand drawn on a whim. Porcelain Whimsical Flower Teapot for One Adorable Gift Golden yellow and whimsical – a bright spot of garden sunshine for a summer morning spot of tea.
The Teapot for One
For many of us, our teatime consists of sitting down on our own with a good cup of tea. A tea for one sized pot is just what we need for the way most of us order our days.
These pots, many made with their own matching teacup perched handily on board, hold just the right amount of tea for one sitting. Do you collect teapots, too? I’m a little surprised how many do. Maybe you have a number of different types of pots all in one theme like the collection on this page.
I personally just like teapots, and use all mine in one way or another. There aren’t any special themes other than appealing to me because of the design or the special way they are made. I have some Japanese Tetsubin pots that are among my favorite.
I hope you enjoy this online “museum” of sorts as much as I do. Really, the art and variation of teapots even in one theme is astounding.
“All well-regulated families set apart an hour every morning for tea and bread and butter.”-Joseph Addison, 1711
Yixing Tea Pots – Chinese Garden Style
https://youtu.be/dwxB_OaeAAg
Yixing is pronounced “Yee-Shing”, and signals a very special kind of teapot. They are composed of zisha clay, a rare type of purplish clay found only in Yixing, China.
Yixing teapots are individually sized, so a person may have their own pot. the different colors of the designs are created through the addition of mineral pigments.
These are considered to be one of the finest tea brewing pots in the world. I had no idea about that when I bought one for my son and daughter-in-law. The subtle colors and the artful lizard as a lid handle are what intrigued me. The proportions and ornamental touches make one of the most aesthetically pleasing teapots of the many types found worldwide. At least in my estimation.
Over time, use will it impart a “tea brewed within tea”. This is due to the fact that Zisha clay is extremely porous and will absorb the flavor of tea and the insides of the teapots are left unglazed. Other qualities of this clay are an ability to retain heat, a freedom from toxic materials like lead, arsenic and cadmium ( sometimes found in other clays), and its ability to form the tight fit of the lid. The composition of this clay is mainly of quartz, kaolin, mica, with a high volume of iron oxide.
Made in a myriad of designs , many have a garden theme, some with charming little garden creatures like frogs, and lizards. https://youtu.be/Aqs5b8MY6zU
The Japanese Tea Garden – A Brief Overview of the Tea Garden Culture
Tea in the Japanese Garden by moonlightbulb, on Flickr
The Japanese developed a brilliant art form that unites a refinement of serving tea, the repose of a serene garden, and the calming effect of following ritual that creates a beautiful culture custom and an intriguing garden style.
The tea room (chashitsu) and the tea garden (roji) are a space for holding a tea gatherings. [1] In the tea garden, guests pass through the kuguri entrance, a small and narrow space. From there they follow a stone path which has a measured sequence to encourage thought and mindfulness of their progress. Continuing through a carefully landscaped space they come to a tsukubai, which is a stone wash basin. After washing their hands, the guests enter a low roofed teahouse. It is designed to replicate a traditional home, here the guests sit on tatami mats.The host pours ceremonially made tea for them in this calm and serene place.
The tea garden is called a roji, and it is a very important part of the tea ceremony. The Japanese name for this ceremony is chanoyu.
Tetsubin teapot – Japanese beauty, subtlety, and utility
I have two Tetsubin teapots. One is a black hobnail and one is a pink cherry blossom design which my son gave me for Christmas. I didn’t know that the designs had symbolic meaning, but Teavana has listed the meanings. My cherry blossom pot is the National flower of Japan, and it is a symbol for beauty; the hobnail design stands for strength. Strength and beauty! Those make a fine combination in my estimation.
The Tetsubin teapots are made of cast iron, and they should only be rinsed clean and wiped dry with a clean cloth. Like the Chinese clay pots they can retain tea flavors over time which add to the cachet of the teapot.
I find them to be an eye pleasing and well designed teapot, a joy to use and they pour beautifully. The cast iron retains heat and mine came with their own basket infusers for the loose tea which is brewed to perfection within them. More history of the Tetsubin teapot Square Cast Iron Tea Set Dragonfly Black #ts6-06bk
Take Care of Your Teapot
Instructions For Cast Iron Directions For Chinese ‘Purple clay’:
https://youtu.be/dwxB_OaeAAg
Tips For Ceramic Teapots
https://youtu.be/Aqs5b8MY6zU
Vintage teapots
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” -Henry James
As long as the teapot is there on your shelf, learn to brew tea that goes into it properly. It isn’t difficult, it just takes some attention to the details, especially measuring amounts and getting the timing right.
How to brew a proper cup of tea:
Use fresh water each time you prepare tea.
Choose good tea.
Use 1-2 teaspoons per 8 ounce cup.
Heat water until it reaches a boil, let it cool just slightly then make your tea.
Tea leaves are steeped in the water for 1-3 minutes when making green or white teas. Five minutes for black teas. Another set of instructions, here.
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For those who like P.O.D products like Zazzle:
If you design your own teapot, remember there are several products that can be matched to produce a set. There are mugs, plates, and a candy jar that could just as well be used to store tea or sugar.
In my home, there is a loose collection of teapots, not because I try to actively collect them, but there is just something I love about a teapot. Maybe it is the marriage of aesthetic form and usefulness. Or maybe I just think they are cute, and I enjoy pouring myself a hot cup of tea from a decorative pot.
Do you collect teapots?
Berber Hospitality in the Form of Tea, Coffee and Cakes on a Tray The delicate glasses are beautiful without the tea, but try this staple of Moroccan hospitality for a refreshing taste of mint.
Serve At Your Next Event
Whether you host a Hafla or want to serve a refreshing drink to your friends in an informal get together – the ubiquitous tea served throughout Morocco for all occasions is the perfect way to delight your guests.
In Morocco
Tea is served to guests, and it is impolite to refuse the offering of this refreshing drink.
“Mint tea isn’t just a drink in Morocco. It is a sign of hospitality and friendship and tradition. Because this beverage is so popular, it is served all day long, after every meal and with every conversation. Moroccans take great pride in their tea and will often ask a visitor who among their group of friends makes the best cup of mint tea.” -from recipe contributor ‘Sackville’
This Moroccan tea is served in a small, often decorated, tea glass. People unfamiliar with the Moroccan for of the tea glass are surprised by its small size.
By browsing through some examples of the Moroccan tea glass, we can find out more of Moroccan tea culture, and the importance of hospitality in the Near East.
Begin your own Ritual
You will need:
A teapot to brew the tea
Glasses to serve the beverage
A tray for the drinks and their accompanying sweets
For the tea, itself:
Light flavored tea such as green or white
Fresh mint leaves
Boiling water
Sugar
“Tea is almost always made in front of the guests so that the tea set and service can be admired. Moroccan teapots have long, curved pouring spouts that allow the tea to be poured into even the tiniest of glasses from a height of 2 or more feet. Moroccans like their tea lightly flavored with herbs. The most popular herbs added to tea are mint, lemon grass, and sometimes orange blossom.
Moroccan Mint Tea is generally made by brewing a gunpowder tea mixed with mint (1 teaspoon tea per cup). Gunpowder tea is Chinese green tea rolled into small pellets, which look like old-fashioned gunpowder. The Chinese call it zucha or pearl tea for the same reason. Rolling the tea leaves into balls helps to preserve the flavor. The offering of a glass of green tea with mint is a symbol of friendship, welcome and hospitality.” -from Emeril Lagasse
Make The Right Tea
Try white tea pearls
One of the finest teas, enjoyed on its own or prepared as an ingredient in Moroccan Mint. This is the type that Chef Emeril describes. This is a fine quality tea that will be worthy of your guests, and a comforting cup to enjoy any time of day.
Moroccan Tea is Served
Tea glasses and small metal tea pot
Moroccan Tea is Served Proper tea service consists of the special teapot, the tea glasses, and a footed tray for the tea set. A small clean white towel is used for the handle of the teapot.
Perfect pearl tea brewed inside a gracefully shaped Moroccan teapot, and served in colorful tea glasses turns enjoying a refreshing glass of tea into an event.
How to Prepare Moroccan Tea
“Fresh mint leaves and some tea leaves and a LOT of sugar are put in the bottom of the pot, hot water poured on top. After a few minutes of steeping, your hostess will pour some of the tea into a glass, and immediately she will pour it from the glass back into the pot. This is repeated until she feels the tea is perfect. Only then will she serve each of her guests a glass of hot sweet mint tea.”- Reflections from the Fence
Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan Hospitality – Sweet Tea, Flavor, and Flair
photo by Nick Saltmarsh
The Moroccan Tea Glass – A small glass serving generous hospitality
The Moroccan tea glass is small compared to the American version. American tea glasses are tall and used for iced tea with lots of ice.
The ritual of this North African country is quite different from the casual sweet iced tea of our culture, and has a tea service all its own. Moroccan tea is served hot in quite small, beautifully decorated, tea glasses. Very collectible!
Moroccan Culture
It is idyllic to share a pot of mint tea at a small table on the side of the road. It is a ceremonial bonding experience in a private home.
Use Fresh Mint Leaves
Start with some fresh mentha leaves
Fresh Mint
Be sure you have fresh mint to make the tea. Although some recipes call for dried mint. Fresh mint will add a lovely green tint, and the flavor is better. Mint plants are surprisingly easy to grow. A pot on the windowsill, or a patch by the back door will provide you with leaves fresh during the growing season and easy to freeze for winter use.
Can Mint Tea Heal You? From pure herbal concoctions to mint infused green teas, there are many ways to enjoy the healthful benefits of the mint plant.
Antique, pretty, tea glass photo by dukpix on Flickr
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ready in: 10 min
Yields: 2-4 servings
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Green Tea leaves, or white tea
1 large handful fresh washed
spearmint leaves
2 cups boiling water
1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
Boil at least 2 cups of water. Rinse a small teapot with about 1/4 cup of the water.
Add the tea leaves and another 1/4 cup boiling water. Swirl the pot to wash and rinse the leaves, and pour out the water.
Add the mint leaves and the sugar, and fill the pot with about 2 cups boiling water. Leave the tea to steep for five minutes or longer, or set the tea pot over medium-low heat and bring the tea to a simmer. Remove from the heat, and allow to steep several minutes more.
Gently stir the tea, pour into small tea glasses and serve.
Serve Your Guests
Moroccan tea service photo by rieorie on Flickr
Pastries play an important role in Moroccan society because they are an essential complement to mint tea when welcoming guests into your home. -The art of Moroccan cuisine.
Serve and Display – This serving tray is ideal for your tea glasses
Complete your tea service with this silver tray. Lovely way to serve tea and display the decorative glasses or offer the requisite pastries.
Ideas for using your Moroccan Tea Glasses
DECORATIVE COLLECTIBLES HOLD MORE THAN TEA
“Moroccan tea glasses are tiny cups with bright POPS of color. They would look lovely as a flower display at your reception or bridal shower, as a chic dessert presentation or a unique way to light up the room with candles inside.” – Emmeline Bride
Start Your Collection
…OF THIS DECORATIVE GLASSWARE
When you can’t make up your mind! Sparkling gold give an elegant look to your decor.
Others to consider? A very traditional color is Moroccan Red, it makes your set of tea glasses a warm addition to any room- for tea or as votive candle holders. A cobalt blue color with metallic accents is striking. Filigree border with a stylish modern color design.
View How the Tea Is Brewed
– And poured into the tea glass – it is an art. What panache! This would certainly impress your friends, so learn how to make real Moroccan tea and have fun serving everyone (after a little practice, of course)
A fascinatingly different taste for those who want an easy, yet exotic, appetizer. I have lots of eggs from my laying hens, and this sounds like good way to use them for either winter or summer parties and get-togethers.
Tea Egg Appetizerss
Flavoring hard boiled eggs for a delightful appetizer ingredient
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Cool green leaves can be used fresh or dried.
green tea, with healthful herbs.
dried mint leaves, put them into a tea strainer and place within a teapot full of boiling water. Steep for minutes.
