Refreshing Summer Drink

During these hot summer months you want something that will quench your thirst and cool you down. Instead of drinking the typical sugary drink or boring water (which actually I don't mind), make yourself some iced tea. There are so many different types of teas to try so you never get bored. I like to buy my tea in the bulk section in the Co-op because then you can buy a small amount of tea to test to see if you like it. That way you are not stuck with a box full nasty tea in your cupboard. I also recommend buying small amounts at a time because then it will be fresh when you use it.

I have been making a lot of Twig tea lately. Japanese Twig Tea, also known as Kukicha, is a very mild tea that is also beneficial for digestion. Twig Tea has many health benefits. It is strongly alkalizing and contains an array of nutrients including calcium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and A, flavonoids and catechins. It is also low in oxalate and very low in caffeine, so you can serve it to children. I think it's a great tea for people who are trying to cut down on coffee because it has an earthy nutty taste.

When I make iced tea I fill a large saucepan with filtered water and bring it to a boil. Then I turn off the heat and put in the required amount of teabags or loose leaf tea and let it steep for the required amount of time. Not all teas steep at the same time, so make sure you do your research before hand. Once it's done I usually forget about it for an hour until it cools off. Then I pour it in a pitcher and put it in the fridge. It's so easy! That way I have cold tea waiting for me for a few days. When I make twig tea I prefer to add fresh lemon juice to it. If you are not used to an unsweetened drink, just add a splash of fruit juice. I like to experiment with different berry juices. Just have fun and play around!