When we moved to Amsterdam I was really into trying anything new...especially new foods. I had no idea that one of my favorite things would wind up being a tea!
One day when I was out with a friend she asked if I had ever tried the fresh mint tea here in The Netherlands...to which I promptly scoffed and replied, uh, no, coffee for me all the way. Then her tea came. And it smelled amazing.
Next time I was out I tried some and it really is delicious! It is low in calories, yet flavorful! I love being able to have something with taste with out all the guilt. I can no longer drink anything carbonated, it makes my stomach feel awful. ...and honestly I would rather eat my daily calories than drink them! haha But, I do sometimes get board of just plain water. You guys have seen my flavored water mixes I've created in the past!
For the basic mint tea there really isn't a secret to it...you buy fresh mint leaves, pour some boiling water over them and voila...Mint Tea! In the grocery store here I pay about €0,99 for a small pack of fresh mint leaves which is more than enough for me, if I want the larger pack, if they are in stock I will pay anywhere from €1,00 to €1, 50. A small pack I can get 2-3 glasses out of the large pack, well, it is large that can be a lot of tea! ha! However, at a cafe you will easily pay a solid €3,00 for this...sometimes less, but every once in a while a little more. So, making it at home is obviously the better option!
Below I am going to introduce you a variation on the basic mint tea!
Winter Mint Tea
Serves 1
- Fresh mint leaves
- Quarter of a lemon
- 1 Tea bag with the flavors cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange (I used Pickwick Winter Glow)
- Place the washed mint leaves in your cup.
- Lightly squeeze lemon over the mint leaves.
- Pour boiling water over the leaves and lemon then put the tea bag into the water.
- Let steep for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and lemon slice.
- You can remove the mint too but I love to leave it in there, gives it more of minty smell as I sip and clears my nose ;)
- Enjoy!
In the event you need to be further convinced to give this a try here are a few reasons.
Health Benefits of Mint:
- Helps digestion/relieve inflammation
- Helps with Nausea and Headaches
- Can help clear congestion
- It is a natural stimulant and can help recharge the brain
- Freshens breath
Health Benefits of Lemon:
- Helps with digestion
- Can help cleanse the body
- Boots the immune system since it is high in Vitamin C
- Freshens Breath
- Natural stimulant, can help recharge the brain
- Promotes healing
Lemon and mint share a lot of the same natural healing properties. These two are a power house when combined. If you try it, make sure to let me know!
What is your favorite warm beverage during the winter months?
I love mint! This sounds like a lovely combination!
ReplyDeleteYou should give it a try, it is great, it really wakes you up and warms you up, no better combo in these cold months!
DeleteI've never been a fan of the mint teas that I've tried, but maybe I should try to use fresh mint! The ones I've tried from a tea bag are too minty and it's just not for me. I'll try yours, though! I do enjoy different teas, though! Especially when it's cold.
ReplyDeletehttp://mommymisc.net
Krissy, I don't like those teas either, the mint tastes like a flavoring not like actual mint, this is real mint and is subtle yet delicious!
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