| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 140 | 0.3g | 0.1g | 36.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 4.3g | 1.1g | 0.04g |
There’s nothing quite like a warm, inviting cup of Spiced Wood Avens Tea. This delightful beverage, a harmonious blend of herbaceous and tart, perfectly embodies my love for fusion and holistic cooking. With every sip, my connection to both my Pacific Northwest roots and Japanese heritage seems to deepen, a comfort akin to the familiar embrace of home.
A Celebration of Diverse Flavors
The Spiced Wood Avens Tea is a testament to my gastronomic philosophy – a conscientious intertwining of flavors, cultures, and health benefits. With each ingredient playing its own distinct role, the tea strikes an exceptional balance between sweet, sour, and spiced. Apples and citrus fruits lend a refreshing tartness that pairs excellently with the fragrant warmth of the spices. The humble Wood Avens, with its soft, aromatic profile, ties everything together into a comforting and vibrant concoction.
This recipe is similar to Japanese yuzu tea (yuzucha), a cherished drink in my family, especially during the winter months. The citrus element echoes the tangy freshness of yuzu, while the spices remind me of the warming American beverages of my Seattle childhood. This could be the perfect addition to a spread of sushi rolls, the tart and spiced flavors providing a counterbalance to the umami-rich seafood.
Healthful Decadence
What I truly cherish about the Spiced Wood Avens Tea is its restorative potential. The Wood Avens root, scientifically known as Geum urbanum, is a well-accepted herbal ingredient acclaimed for its medicinal properties. Aiding in digestion or simply acting as a calming agent, this ingredient has been a part of traditional European herbalism for centuries.
Not only that, but the abundant use of citrus fruits renders this tea a vitamin C powerhouse, potentially boosting your immune system. As we all know, honey is a natural sweetener with numerous health benefits, and the apples, with their dietary fiber and antioxidants, are an added bonus!
It’s simple recipes like these that demonstrate how food and drink can be a source of both nourishment and pleasure. So here’s to the Spiced Wood Avens Tea – may it warm you and your loved ones, just as it has warmed my heart and kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of dried Wood Avens roots
- 1 orange (juice and zest)
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons of honey
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the dried Wood Avens roots thoroughly under running water.
Step Two
Place the cleaned roots in a large pot and add 6 cups of water to it. Allow it to soak for an hour to help release the flavors.
Step Three
Next, place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a low simmer. Allow the roots to infuse in the simmering water for approximately 20 min.
Step Four
In the meantime, wash the fruits. Slice the apples and lemon and set aside. Zest the orange and squeeze out the juice. Keep them aside.
Step Five
Add the sliced apples and lemons to the simmering pot. Then, add the orange juice and zest. Stir it into the simmering mixture.
Step Six
Add the ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to the pot. Stir again to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step Seven
Simmer the mixture for another 15-20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step Eight
Once done, switch off the heat and allow the tea to cool for a few minutes. Then, strain the tea into your serving pot or directly into cups.
Step Nine
Stir inthe honey, making sure to mix well until it completely dissolves.
Step Ten
Serve the Spiced Wood Avens Tea warm, and enjoy the aromatic flavors.
