Monday, January 19, 2015

Fresh Strawberry and Mint Tea



Fresh herbs in winter, are like sunshine after a week of rain; and that is what I am enjoying today by the way.  We are having some wonderful sunshine after a week of rain; it feels so nice.  I am also enjoying a much needed cup of tea.  After having cleaned out my pantry and mopped my floors this morning.  I wanted something refreshing.  So I made a  pot of  Fresh Strawberry and Mint Tea; its delicious, refreshing and even little therapeutic.  I decided to share it with you.  This is a special tea using the fresh Strawberries and fresh Mint that I got from the farmers market on Saturday. I am sure enjoying the benefits of living in Florida; fresh fruits, veggies and herbs in the winter time, yes, that works well for me.

The Strawberries add a subtly sweet flavor to this tea, and the mint goes wonderfully with it adding an invigorating, while still soothing factor.  I love the little bit of lime zest as well.  It is a nice change from the same ol' thing. In Russia they often put fruit preserves into their tea, and this puts me in mind of that somewhat. So, in remembrance of Russian tea, I am using my Russian teacups… and thinking how glad I am that I am not in Siberia right now.

Here's all you need to do:
Put four cups of water into a medium sized pot and bring to a boil, then turn it off.  

Finely chop a small bunch of mint (about 1/2 of a cup chopped).  

Crush the mint slightly to release the oils and mint flavor.  Add this to the pot of hot water along with 2 tea bags.

Finely chop 8 - 10 Strawberries, pour it, juice and all, into the pot.  

Add 1 teaspoon of lime zest to the pot, cover and steep 10 minutes.

Place a strainer over your teapot.

Strain the tea into the pot.

  Add fresh mint and sliced strawberries to each cup.




 Add hot tea.



 Enjoy




Fresh Strawberry Tea

Ingredients:
4 cups boiling water
2 tea bags (black tea)
1/2 cup fresh mint finely chopped
8 -10 strawberries, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lime zest

Fresh mint leaves, strawberry slices and lime zest for each cup

Instructions:

  1. Bring water to boil in a medium saucepan.
  2. Add tea bags, mint and strawberries to the water.
  3. Allow to steep about 10 minutes.
  4. Strain tea, mint and strawberries from liquid and into the teapot.
  5. Cover with a tea cozy.
  6. Prepare each cup with 2 slices of strawberries, one mint leaf and a pinch of lime zest.
  7. Pour tea and enjoy (Sweeten if desired)


7 comments:

  1. Mmmm...looks/sounds so wonderful my friend! I'll be right over!! Hugs, Camille

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  2. Oh I think I am going to have to try this Pam. Have no excuse as strawberries are in season and always have mint in the garden. About to go and snip some for my lamb roast dinner tonight! I sell boutique teas at my market stall so always have different teas to try as I can buy them wholesale. I have become fond of white tea and the white rose and goji is a favourite. Had such a busy weekend - exhibited at two bridal fairs on the weekend and meeting with a client yesterday. Have 3 weddings over next few months so I'm going to have to try and be super organized this year, especially as I would like to keep up the blog. I knew you would love Florida for the produce. We too have had sunshine after rain. Everything is emerald green and sparkling today. Thank you for sharing this tea recipe. I'll be off to the farmer's markets this week and will have to grab some strawberries!

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  3. Oh yum that tea looks wonderful ~Heather

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  4. The fresh strawberries look so nice. That is something that I could get use to real fast. I am longing for spring!

    My brother is in Florida for two weeks, they have a home near Disneyland, they keep telling us how lovely the weather is...

    But on the bright side we are in the 20's and not below zero and spring is just around the corner.

    Have a great week
    Cheryl

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  5. I just loved this idea! You are so smart, and it is so good for you! I did add it to Pinterest!
    Please feel free to add some of my photos to Pinterest if they ever tickle your fancy!
    I made Blueberry Tea last night; not fresh but it tasted so good!
    And yes, I am sure you are glad you're not in Siberia...LOL
    Love, Roxy

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  6. Mmmmm I am just drinking up this post Mom. Your recipe, your pictures, your tea items! So beautiful!!

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  7. This looks delicious! I just recently found a deal on a teapot at a local Habitat, so I need to christen it, right?

    We should be getting that winter storm this week. Hope you manage to get out of NC before it hits.

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