Delicious Fruit & Herbal Tea Recipes

Monsoon days are perfect for having endless cups of tea. We all know tea contains caffeine, a substance that helps boost mood and improve mental and physical performance when consumed in moderation. Research says that excessive caffeine may cause anxiety, insomnia, addiction, digestive issues and other health problems. Fruit and herbal infusions (commonly known as teas) are a great way to enjoy a cup of goodness and re-hydrate as they are caffeine free. The best part is that these teas are made with natural seasonal ingredients and indulge your senses with their rich color, taste and aroma. Simply put, when hot water is infused with flavorful fruits, herbs and spices, you get a delicious cup of fruit/herbal infusion.

Lets look at some delicious fruit and herbal tea recipes that can be easily made at home:

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea is a wonderful way to drink a cup of goodness. Turmeric has anti inflammatory  properties, boosts immunity, acts as a natural pain killer, helps heal cuts and wounds and the curcumin present in turmeric helps in prevention of cancer.

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Simmer one cinnamon stick, some fresh grated ginger, a pinch of black pepper and little bit of nutmeg powder in two cups of water for 10 minutes. Add one teaspoon of turmeric (powder or dry grated turmeric) and simmer for additional 5 minutes. Switch off the gas and strain the liquid. Add powdered jaggery (to taste) and milk (optional and as per choice between almond/coconut/whole milk) and enjoy.

Taiwanese Fruit Tea

This delicious fruit tea is best enjoyed hot while reading your favorite book!

To make two cups, warm 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or packaged) in microwave. Do not let it get too hot. In a tea pot add warm orange juice, one cup hot water and chopped fruits like apple, strawberry, orange slices and some lemon juice to taste. Let the flavors infuse for 5-7 minutes. Pour in tea cups and enjoy.

Apple Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is a great spice that aids in weight loss and helps impart a tantalizing aroma to this delicious infusion.

Boil two cups water and add some fresh apple slices, one inch cinnamon stick (broken into pieces) and some crushed ginger to taste. Cover and simmer on low flame for 5-7 minutes. Switch off the gas and infuse for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey and lemon juice to taste. Enjoy hot or cold.

Iced Pineapple Mint Tea

Bring two cups water to boil on a low flame and add fresh mint leaves and some sugar to taste. Once the sugar dissolves, switch off the gas and cool the liquid. Strain the liquid in a jug and add one and half cup pineapple juice and some lemon juice to taste. Refrigerate and serve in tall glasses garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint leaves.

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