| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 80 | 0g | 0g | 22g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 1g | 0g | 0.02g |
It was during one of my extended stays in Japan where I first tasted the deeply aromatic Yuzu Honey Tea. From that initial sip, I was instantly captivated. This beverage is not just a drink; it’s an enticing blend of citrusy, sweet, and fragrant flavors that serve as a delightful treat after a day of sushi rolling or seafood preparations.
The Marriage of Flavors in Yuzu Honey Tea
Paying homage to my dual heritage, Yuzu Honey Tea is a dance of two cultures. The star of the concoction, yuzu, is an aromatic Japanese citrus fruit with a tart character, somewhat akin to a grapefruit. In this recipe, the zesty kick of the yuzu beautifully plays with the mellow sweetness of honey, creating an invigorating beverage that is utterly remarkable on the palate. Spanning further, the addition of your favorite tea brings a third dimension to the drink, adding depth and complexity that makes each sip an exploration.
Health Benefits and Pairing Suggestions
Alongside its delightful taste, Yuzu Honey Tea also offers a plethora of health benefits. Yuzu holds a high vitamin C content, assisting in boosting the immune system. Similarly, honey is known for its natural antibacterial properties, aiding in soothing a sore throat or cough. Not forgetting your preferred tea, which, depending on your choice, could offer a range of benefits from aiding digestion to heightening mental alertness.
This beverage is versatile in its pairings. If you’re a fan of seafood, it truly shines next to a beautifully prepared sushi roll or fresh sashimi, offering a contrasting sweet, citrusy punch that pairs wonderfully. And of course, for my Pacific Northwest readers, it would be remiss not to mention how well a warm cup complements a chilly evening tucked in under a soft blanket by the fireside.
Akin to lemon-ginger tea, the Yuzu Honey Tea carries a similar comforting quality that makes it a perfect cold-weather beverage. Yet, it stands alone with its unique combination of flavors intrinsic to Japan – sweet, bitter, tart and aromatic.
In the end, my love for Yuzu Honey Tea goes beyond its tantalizing taste. It is a beverage steeped in a rich cultural heritage that finds a delicious synergy of ingredients from two different worlds, imitating my own journey. Each cup is a warm reminder of my time in Japan and a testament to the beauty of fusing different cuisines. Truly, it is much more than a tea; it is an experience, one that I invite you all to try for yourselves.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large yuzu fruits
- 1 cup of honey
- 6 cups of water
- 6 tea bags of your preference
Method
Step One
Begin by washing and drying your yuzu fruits. Once they are dried, cut them in half. Use a spoon or citrus squeezer to extract all the juice while preserving the skin. Set the juice aside for now.
Step Two
Chop the yuzu skins into small pieces and place them in a large pot. Also, add a cup of honey and six cups of water into the pot. Set your stove to medium heat, and allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
Step Three
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the skins are soft and the mixture is fragrant. Make sure to occasionally stir the mixture to prevent any from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step Four
Turn off the heat and add your tea bags to the pot. Allow the tea to steep based on the instructions on the tea bag package; typically it should be around 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags once the tea has steeped.
Step Five
Finally, strain the tea into a large pitcher, making sure to remove and discard the yuzu skins. Stir in the yuzu juice you had set aside earlier. Your yuzu honey tea is now ready! Enjoy it hot or let it cool and refrigerate for iced tea.
