| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 190 | 0g | 0g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 41g | 1g | 1g | 0.01g |
Greeting fellow culinary explorers, let me introduce a truly refreshing concoction; a recipe that encapsulates flavors from two different corners of the world, the Yerba Buena Tea. This unique beverage is a testament to my dual heritage, combining the freshness of the Pacific Northwest with a twist of traditional Japan. The charm of this recipe not only lies in its beautiful blend of flavors, but also in the intriguing infusion of health benefits.
The Magic of Mint
One of the main ingredients in Yerba Buena Tea is fresh Yerba Buena, otherwise known as mint. Mint’s refreshing flavor is an absolute hit in this recipe, but its contributions are more than just taste – it is remarkably healthy. This humble green leafy plant is packed with numerous health benefits including aiding digestion, boosting immunity and providing a potent dose of antioxidants.
The Citrus Twist
The inclusion of lemon is no accident here. This citrus wonder does not just offer a zesty flavor, but it’s a great nutritional boost too. It’s a fantastic source of vitamin C which plays a key role in boosting immunity, and it also promotes hydration. Its refreshing tang adds another layer of depth to this tea and brings out the mint’s vibrant flavor even further.
The option of adding your favorite fruit as garnish can not only elevate the aesthetics of this tea, but it also personalizes it to your individual preference. It could be the succulence of berries, the tropical allure of mangoes, or the sweet softness of ripe peaches. The choice is yours and the possibilities are endless.
A Versatile Companion
The Yerba Buena Tea isn’t just wonderful on its own but also pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. It’s particularly good with Japanese style sushi rolls, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy textures and umami-rich flavors. You could even pair it with lighter seafood dishes or a zesty salad for a low-calorie yet flavorful lunch. It’s extremely versatile and it’s always a suitable beverage for every meal of the day.
In essence, this Yerba Buena Tea recipe hits all the right notes. It’s not just the delicious blend of flavors that makes it special, it’s the entire experience – the process of brewing those leaves, smelling the aromas fill your kitchen, experiencing those fresh flavors melting in your mouth and ultimately, feeling the freshness and vitality surge through your body. So, why do I love this Yerba Buena Tea? Because it’s truly the epitome of taste meeting wellness, and a wonderful representation of my dual culinary heritage. Give this recipe a try and I promise, it will not disappoint.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh Yerba Buena (mint) leaves
- 6 cups of water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 whole lemon
- 6 servings of your favorite fruit (optional for garnish)
Method
Step One
Take fresh Yerba Buena|mint leaves, measuring about one cup. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt or germs.
Step Two
In a medium to large sauce pan, pour six cups of water and set over high heat. Allow it to come to a boil.
Step Three
Once the water is boiling, put the cleaned mint leaves into the pan. Lower the heat to a simmer and allow the leaves to steep for about ten minutes or until the water has taken on the flavor and color of the leaves.
Step Four
Add half a cup of white sugar into the boiling mixture, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. You may add more or less sugar according to your taste.
Step Five
Cut a whole lemon into half and squeeze out its juice. Strain this juice into the sauce pan, mixing well to ensure that the lemon juice is well incorporated into the tea.
Step Six
Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Once cool, strain the tea into a jug or carafe, getting rid of the mint leaves.
Step Seven
Lastly, garnish with your favorite fruits if desired. This mixture can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
