| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 80 | 0g | 0g | 21g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 18g | 1g | 1g | 0.02g |
As an individual of dual heritage with roots nestled in the tranquility of Seattle and stirring across the Pacific to the vibrant land of Japan, I have come to love the confluence of ingredients from both worlds. One recipe that I adore and cherish deeply is the Lesser Galangal Infused Tea. This exceptional beverage elicits a serene harmony of delightful flavors while simultaneously offering a myriad of health benefits associated with its ingredients. But as they say, the proof, or rather the flavor, is truly in the brewing.
The Unparalleled Taste Experience
Infusing your regular green tea with lesser galangal and a blend of sliced fruits brings forth an experience that tugs pleasingly at your taste buds. From the first sip, you’ll find the spiciness of the lesser galangal blending pleasingly with the refreshingly succulent notes of the freshly sliced fruits. Couple this delightful blend with the light and airy aura of green tea, and you have a tea that embodies the eloquence of calmness, tranquility, and sagacity.
Health Benefits Beyond Measure
Lesser Galangal Infused Tea is not just a treat to your taste buds, but to your body’s overall well-being too. Lesser galangal has been well-documented to possess antimicrobial attributes, a boon for your immune system. The green tea component is lauded for its antioxidants which battle free radicals and support cardiovascular health, while the generous addition of honey adds antibacterial properties and a sweet, soothing touch to the tea. Let’s not forget about the fruit slices, adding both flavor and playful color to the mix, while providing essential vitamins and fiber.
This recipe reminds me of the Japanese Sangaria Ramune I used to enjoy during my time in Japan, both in terms of flavor as well as the joy it brings. Pairing Lesser Galangal Infused Tea with a light summer salad or sushi rolls will delight the palette further, showcasing a beautiful harmony between the dishes.
Give this recipe a whirl, and share the joy of flavors inspired by two lands, each rich in their culinary delights. When you taste your first sip of Lesser Galangal Infused Tea, you embrace the love and amity that has been brewing for years – across oceans, through seasons and traditions, stirred together in a cup. Bottoms up!
Source: WebMD Health benefits of Galangal, National Institutes of Health on Green tea, and Medical News Today on Health benefits of honey.
What You’ll Need
- 8 cups of water
- 6 tablespoons of loose green tea
- 2 pieces of lesser galangal (approximately 2 inches each)
- 1 cup of fresh thinly sliced fruit (like apples, oranges, or strawberries)
- 6 tablespoons of honey (or to taste)
- Ice cubes
Method
Step One
Begin by pouring approximately 8 cups of water into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step Two
While you’re waiting for the water to boil, rinse 2 pieces of lesser galangal thoroughly under cold running water and chop them into thin slices.
Step Three
Once the water is boiling, add the previously prepared lesser galangal and 6 tablespoons of loose green tea into the pot. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step Four
While the tea is simmering, take your desired fresh fruit and thinly slice them.
Step Five
After about 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and strain the tea into a large pitcher. Be sure to discard the lesser galangal and loose leaves.
Step Six
Stir in the cut fruit and 6 tablespoons of honey (or more to taste) into the pitcher. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved.
Step Seven
Refrigerate the pitcher for about 2-3 hours or until the tea is thoroughly chilled.
Step Eight
Pour the chilled tea into glasses filled with ice, garnish with some fresh fruit slices and serve immediately.
