| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 105 | 0g | 0g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 2g | 1g | 0.01g |
Growing up in the vibrant and thrilling food culture of Texas, I’ve had the pleasure of sampling a myriad of vibrant flavors. One particular fruit-based delight that I can’t seem to get enough of, is the refreshing and invigorating Kumquat Tea. A fruity twist on the typical southern sweet tea, this recipe not only sparks joy on a balmy afternoon, but also brings along a slew of health benefits.
The Citrus Escapade: Unparalleled Flavors
Alluring in its citrus fragrances, Kumquat Tea, mingles the sweetness of kumquats with the tartness of fresh lemon. The freshness of mint complements the zesty tang while the warmth of ginger adds a refined spiciness. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that awaken the senses with every sip.
This tea is somewhat similar to the citrusy Lemon Honey Tea and would work perfectly with a side of savoury Chicken Fajitas or a classic Texas-style Pulled Pork.
Nurturing Health with Every Sip
The amalgamation the ingredients is not merely an indulgent treat but also a health tonic of sorts. The high vitamin C content in kumquats along with lemon juice makes the Kumquat Tea a potent immune booster. Ginger, on the other hand, is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities and aids digestion. The black tea provides a caffeine boost, keeping you active and alert. Moreover, the lemon-mint combo is an excellent stress buster, soothing frazzled nerves with its distinct aroma.
Ultimately, being a food writer isn’t just about experimenting with recipes from across the spectrum; it’s about sharing them with you – our readers. With every recipe, there’s a story, a memory that leaves a lingering taste; just like my Kumquat Tea. Rest assured though, while my Texas roots are embedded within this recipe, the story remains as novel as the first time. Look forward to thousands of such beautiful narratives, with ‘Your Gourmet Guru’ taking you on an irresistible culinary journey. Until then, enjoy the delicate dance of flavors in the Kumquat Tea!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh kumquats
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger (grated)
- 6 tea bags of your preferred black tea
- 6 slices of lemon (for garnish)
- 6 sprigs of mint (for garnish)
Method
Step One
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the kumquats and let them boil with the water. These should be boiled for about 15-20 minutes until the kumquats are soft and a bit translucent.
Step Two
After these are cooked, turn off the heat. At this point, use a fork or a potato masher to gently mash the kumquats. This will release their juice into the water even more.
Step Three
Next, add the sugar, fresh lemon juice, and grated ginger to the pot. Stir everything until the sugar is completely dissolved. This should take about 5-10 minutes with consistent stirring.
Step Four
Return the pot to heat and bring the mixture to a light boil. After boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step Five
Turn off the heat once again and add the tea bags. Allow these to steep for the time indicated on their package, usually around 5 minutes.
Step Six
After the tea has steeped, remove the tea bags and strain the mixture to get rid of the mashed kumquats and ginger pieces. The leftovers should be discarded.
Step Seven
Pour the tea into cups. If desired, this can be served over ice for a refreshing iced tea. Garnish each cup or glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint.
