Tea is one of the oldest and most used drinks in 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 countless healing benefits and flavors that exist come from the five natural elements with which you can make a great infusion. Shortly we will show you what they are, 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 is enough.
Floors
Camellia sinensis 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, whether they are subjected to the action of oxygen , which ferments them, resulting in black tea). This plant is native to southern Asia, and is characterized by its excellent aroma. There are also other plants, such as mint and peppermint, that are used in infusions and mixtures.
How to grow: You can get Camellia seeds at garden stores or online and grow them in a large pot, as it is a large shrub. You must keep it nourished with natural fertilizers, with the soil well hydrated and in a semi-shaded place.
How to make tea: It will take time to grow, but once it is leafy 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 rest 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 crispy, you can store them in a glass container, ready to make green tea infusions that are excellent for your health.
Tip: The white ones that sprout from the Camellia in autumn can be ground into 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 chamomile, the latter one of the most common flowers for preparing tea, which is characterized by its small white flowers similar to a daisy and its good effects on the body. stomach.
How to grow: It is recommended to grow chamomile in late winter so that it sprouts in spring. Its seeds, which are very small, must be scattered in the soil of the pot of your choice, which can be small or also a tray of cells. Then sprinkle a little leaf soil (very little) on the seeds, so that 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 the soil very moist. Once germinated, remove the bag and make sure they get plenty of direct sunlight throughout the day.
How to make tea: Once flowers sprout from your plant, you just have to cut some flowers and let them air dry to use them ground in infusions (one 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 heal degenerative diseases. Ginger is also a plant, and it is very easy to grow.
How to grow: We recommend sprouting 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 sprouts facing up and keep it well hydrated and away from low temperatures, especially the first few days. You can have it in large sizes and plant several pieces. Its bush is fine and very pretty, 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 remove some of the plants and put the remaining ones in another pot, so as not to lose your crop. Remove the root from the plant that you have removed, wash it well and cut it into slices. Place them in boiling water for 5 or 10 minutes and you will have a healthy, delicious (and somewhat spicy) ginger tea, excellent for the metabolism.
Seeds
The seeds hide unknown properties, which they release when boiled in hot water. Among those that you can turn 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, such as watermelon, although 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 keep this mixture in the refrigerator and take it on an empty stomach and after meals, to cleanse your kidneys.
Fruit
Many commercial tea brands sell fruit tea bags, either combined or separately, such as blackberry, raspberry, orange, and some more exotic ones such as pineapple with coconut. Although it is also possible to prepare them at home, with fresh chopped 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 strawberries and apples, two delicious options for making tea.