Tea is one of the oldest drinks and the ones that are used the most throughout the world. This is due to all the medicinal properties it has, since the range of benefits that a couple of cups a day can bring us is enormous.
The myriad of healing benefits and flavors that exist come from the five natural elements with which you can make a great infusion. We will show you shortly what are they, how to use them and even how to grow them, for which a garden, your kitchen or some place in the house where you can have a green wall.
Floors
The camellia sinensis It is the perennial shrub from whose leaves the most common teas are obtained: white, green, black and red, depending on the degree of oxidation of its leaves (that is, if they are subjected to the action of oxygen, which ferments them, resulting in black tea). This plant is native to South Asia, and is characterized by its excellent aroma. There are also other plants, such as mint and spearmint, which are used in infusions and mixtures.
How to grow: You can get the seeds from the Camellia in garden stores or online and grow them in a large pot, as it is a large bush. You must keep it nourished with natural fertilizers, with well-hydrated soil and in a semi-shaded place.
How to make tea: It will take time to grow, but once it is lush enough, you can cut off its young leaves. To make the tea you must heat them for 1 or 2 minutes with hot water, and immediately after, let them stand in cold water. Then make rolls with each of the sheets and place them in the oven at 400℃ for 10 minutes. Once they are dry and crunchy you can store them in a glass container, ready to make. green tea infusions excellent for health.
tips: The white flowers that sprout from the Camellia in autumn they can be ground over the infusion of the leaves to enhance the flavor.
Flowers
There are flowers that can be infused directly. Among these are rose, orange blossom, lavender, calendula and chamomilethe latter one of the most common flowers for preparing tea, which is characterized by its small white flowers similar to daisies and its good effects on the stomach.
How to grow: It is recommended to grow chamomile at the end of winter so that it sprouts in spring. Its seeds, which are very small, must be spread in the soil of the pot of your choice, which can be small or, also, a tray of cells. Then sprinkle a little leafy soil (very little) on the seeds, so they sprout easily. Cover the pot or tray with a plastic bag, trying not to disturb the soil, and keep it under moderate light and with very moist soil. Once germinated, remove the bag and make sure they get plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day.
How to make tea: Once the flowers of your plant sprout, you just have to cut some flowers and let them dry in the air to use them ground in infusions (a tablespoon of ground for each cup).
Estate
It has become popular to make teas from roots such as turmeric and ginger, which have great health benefits. Both are antioxidants and help cure degenerative diseases. Ginger is also a natural antidepressant, and it is very easy to grow.
How to grow: We recommend you germinate it, since ginger germinates without help (and if you leave it in water overnight, the process will be faster), although you can also buy the seeds. If you opt for sprouts, you only have to plant a piece with the largest shoots facing up and keep it well hydrated and away from low temperatures, especially the first few days. You can have it in large pots and plant several pieces. Its bush is fine and very beautiful, so it is an ideal plant to be in your kitchen. Keep it with moist soil and always in a place with light and shade.
How to make tea: You must go removing some of the plants and transplanting the remaining ones in another pot, so as not to lose your crop. Remove the root of the plant that you have removed, wash it well and cut it into slices. Steep them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes and you’ll have a healthy, delicious (and slightly spicy) ginger tea, great for metabolism.
Seeds
The seeds hide unknown properties, which are released when boiled in hot water. Among those that you can make into an infusion are fennel, coriander and even sunflower seeds (the latter is recommended for weight loss). You can also make tea from fruit seeds, like from the watermelonalthough this is an infusion that is taken at the same time.
How to make tea: To make 1 liter you only need 40g of seeds and 150g of watermelon. Grind the seed with a mortar, add it to the liter of water and let it boil for half an hour. Strain and let cool, to combine with the strained watermelon. You can store this mixture in the fridge and take it on an empty stomach and after meals, to cleanse your kidneys.
Fruits
Many commercial tea brands sell fruit tea bags, either combined or separately, such as blackberry, raspberry, orange, and more exotic ones like pineapple with coconut. Although it is also possible to prepare them at home, with chopped fresh fruit (such as pineapple, peach, grapefruit or apple) and hot water.
If you want to grow your own fruits, here you can see how to grow strawberry and appletwo delicious options to make tea.
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