Easy to make at home and full of herbal goodness!

Making a herbal sun tea is a delightful and simple way to enjoy the benefits of herbs. Sun tea is brewed slowly using the sun’s natural warmth, which can result in a milder, more nuanced flavour compared to boiling water. Here’s how you can make your own herbal sun tea:

Ingredients

1. Herbs of your choice: Some popular options include mint, chamomile, hibiscus, lemon balm, lavender, and rose hips.
2. Water: Filtered water is best to avoid any impurities.
3. Sunlight: A sunny spot outdoors.

Equipment

1. Large glass jar: A 1- to 2-quart jar with a lid works well.
2. Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer: To strain the herbs after brewing.

Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment:
   • Choose fresh or dried herbs. If using fresh herbs, rinse them to remove any dirt.
   • Ensure your glass jar is clean.
2. Add Herbs to the Jar:
   • Use about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fresh herbs or 2-4 tablespoons of dried herbs per quart of water.
3. Fill the Jar with Water:
   • Pour filtered water over the herbs, filling the jar.
4. Cover the Jar:
   • Place a lid on the jar or cover it with a cheesecloth to keep out insects and debris.
5. Place in Sunlight:
   • Put the jar in a sunny spot outside. Let it steep for 3-5 hours. The sunlight will gently warm the water and extract the flavours and beneficial compounds from the herbs.
6. Check the Tea:
   • After a few hours, taste the tea to see if it has reached the desired strength. If not, let it sit a bit longer.
7. Strain the Herbs:
   • Once the tea is ready, strain out the herbs using a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Pour the strained tea into glasses. You can serve it over ice for a refreshing cold drink or enjoy it as is. Sweeten with honey, agave, or another natural sweetener if desired.

Tips for Making Herbal Sun Tea

• Experiment with Blends: Combine different herbs to create unique flavour profiles and health benefits. For example, mint and lemon balm make a refreshing combination, while chamomile and lavender can be soothing.
• Storage: Keep any leftover sun tea in the refrigerator and consume it within a day or two to ensure freshness and safety.
• Safety: If you’re concerned about bacteria, especially if the temperature isn’t hot enough, you can bring the water to a boil first, then let it cool before adding the herbs and placing it in the sun.

Popular Herbal Combinations

• Relaxing Tea: Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm.
• Refreshing Tea: Mint, lemon verbena, and a slice of lemon.
• Immune Boosting Tea: Echinacea, rose hips, and hibiscus.
• Digestive Tea: Peppermint, ginger, and fennel seeds.

Enjoy the process of making herbal sun tea and the refreshing, healthful drink it provides!