Fruit Teas

I think I have mentioned all the colors of tea, the scented and the flavored, herbal and flowered.
How about fruited...with real fruit!

We are fortunate these days to have readily available to us not only a variety of different kinds of fruit usually year round, but we can find dried. I will say though I have the hardest time finding fresh figs and dragonfruit.
Go to your grocers and look at all of the dried fruit available to you and if the selection isn't good there, try your local Whole Foods store, Organic market or Co-op.
The important part of the fruited teas are the fruit must be dried. You can do this yourslef by picking fruit it is just ripe. Slice the fruit and use a food dehydrator or spread it evenly out on a drying surface. Remember to turn it over often to prevent mold from forming on the fruit. Use a clean window screen for a good air circulation and make sure you cover them at night to prevent insects.



OK, let's get some of the dried fruit and make some tea!
Depending on how you mix things up, you may also need to be aware of what some properties are dried plants.
How about Juniper and Cranberry Tea?
As most women know who have ever had a UTI, cranberry juice is the first thing we reach for its soothing and healing of the urinary mucus membrane. Juniper has long been used as an antiseptic. Used together and you get a good flush of the urinary sustem.
Pregnant women should stay away from juniper as it is a uterine stimulant, and that just isn't good for you.
To make 2 cups (16 0z) of Juniper cranberry tea:
2 teaspoons of dried Juniper Berries
1 cup of boiling water
1 cup of cranberry juice
Put the berries into the proofed ceramic or glass teapot. Add the boiling water, cover and let steep for 10 mintues. Allow to cool and then combine with the cranberry juice.

Orange, Cinnamon and Peach Tea.
(If dried peaches aren't available, try dried apricots!)
This also makes 16oz.
1 tsp grated fresh orange zest (rind, no pith)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbs chopped dried peach
2 cups boiling water
Combine the orange zest, cinnamon and peach in a proofed ceramic or glass teapot. Add the boiling water, cover and steep for 5 minutes. YUM!
It is good for a digestive after a heavy meal.

I have so many more recipes and info for you, unfortunately my health meter swings wildly at times and today it is in the red. When it swings back to the green, I will add more recipes and ancedotes about my favorite beverage...TEA!