To make tea from fresh flowers, gather approximately 15 flowers per cup, pour just-boiled water over them, let steep for a few minutes, and then strain before enjoying.
Here's a more detailed guide:
Steps to Making Tea from Fresh Flowers:
- Gather Your Flowers: Collect roughly 15 flowers for each cup of tea you intend to make. You can also include the tops of the plant, including leaves, which can be used in cooking after removing the flowers.
- Prepare the Flowers: Gently rinse the flowers to remove any dirt or insects.
- Steep the Flowers: Place the flowers in a teapot or mug.
- Add Hot Water: Pour just-boiled water over the flowers.
- Steep: Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes, or longer depending on your taste preference.
- Strain: Strain the tea to remove the flowers before drinking.
- Enjoy: Add honey, lemon, or other desired flavorings to taste.
Important Considerations:
- Edibility: Ensure the flowers you're using are safe to consume. Not all flowers are edible, and some can be toxic. Research the specific type of flower before using it. Popular choices include chamomile, lavender, rose, and hibiscus.
- Pesticides: Avoid using flowers that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides. If you are unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution. Grow your own or purchase from a trusted source.
- Freshness: Freshly picked flowers generally provide the best flavor.
- Adjust to Taste: The steeping time and amount of flowers can be adjusted to achieve your preferred strength and flavor.
