Fresh Basil Tea
Bring on the fresh flavors of summer with this homemade fresh basil tea. Made with fresh, loose leaf basil, this homemade tea is a calming cup of tea packed wit the peppery flavor of basil perfect for soaking up the slower pace of life that summer deserves.
The summer of 2024 has been the second year we have grown a vegetable garden. With two of our three planter beds producing crops we are seeing a large number of cucumbers, green beans, and fresh basil.
The cucumbers have been used in salads, greek lunch bowls, and homemade pickles, while the green beans have been a staple for fresh sides to go with our Sunday salmon. The fresh basil has been perfect for pesto, pasta dishes, and this simple fresh basil tea.
With just a little hot water and some time, you will have a warm and pepper cup of basil tea perfect for your evening routine.
Why We Love Homemade Basil Tea
As someone who drinks a cup of tea before bed each night, this fresh basil tea makes a perfect addition to my summer bedtime tea routine. Some of the main reasons we love to make this homemade tea include:
- Great use for fresh basil in the garden. This simple tea is great for the abundance of summer basil fresh from the garden.
- No drying time needed. Simply pluck your basil, rinse, and steep for a delicious and warming cup of tea.
- Refreshing flavor. Slightly peppery with a hint of sweetness, this easy basil tea has a delightful flavor.
Health Benefits of Fresh Basil Tea
I first began drinking basil tea as a digestive aid for issues relating to IBS. I liked the slightly peppery flavor as well as how it seemed to calm my stomach after a particularly cheesy meal. Some of the other health benefits associated with fresh basil include:
- Antioxidants. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin which are associated with fighting free radicals in the body that could increase your risk for cell damage and other health conditions.
- Reduce inflammation. The essential oils in fresh basil have been shown to reduce inflammation in your body lowering your risk of arthritis, digestive issues, and even heart disease.
- Contains magnesium which helps improve your blood flow.
- Vitamin K. Fresh basil is a great source of Vitamin K which helps with blood clotting and bone health.
- Dental Health. The antibacterial qualities of fresh basil help prevent plaque and build up in your teeth.
For more information regarding the benefits of fresh basil and its use in fresh basil tea be sure to check out Healthline’s informative article: Basil: Nutrition, Health Benefits, Uses, and More.
How to Make Basil Tea with Fresh Basil
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh basil– Fresh picked, rinsed, and sliced into ribbons.
- Boiling water– The ideal temperature would be between 208°F and 212°F for the water being poured over the fresh basil.
Step-by-Step Directions for Basil Tea
- Rinse + Dry: Rinse fresh basil under cool water. Pat to dry and slice the basil into ribbons.
- Boil water: Bring a kettle with 16 ounces of water to 212°F.
- Add basil to strainer basket: Place the sliced leaves into the basket of a tea pot.
- Pour the boiling water over the fresh sliced basil leaves.
- Steep: Allow the basil to steep in the boiling water for 15 minutes.
- Pour into a tea cup and enjoy!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
When you are ready to whip up a fresh pot of this homemade basil tea, here are some helpful kitchen tools to get you started.
- Electric Kettle– Used to boil the water to the optimum temperature.
- Tea Pot– With a basket to steep the fresh basil in the pot.
- Tea Cups– Perfect for enjoying your fresh cup of basil tea. (The tea cups in the photographs are from a thrift store)
What Do You Serve with Basil Tea?
I enjoy a buttery cookie paired with my fresh basil tea. Some of my favorites include:
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with extra basil tea at the end of the day, here are your steps for storing and re-heating the tea.
First and foremost, remove the strainer with fresh tea leaves from the pot. We like to toss the steeped basil into the compost.
Next pour the remaining tea in a closed container that is refrigerator safe. Typically a lidded glass.
- Storing– Keep the strained tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Freezing– Alternatively, you can freeze the tea in ice cube trays to pop into glasses of lemon water in the summer.
- Reheating– Pour the desired amount of basil tea into a microwave safe cup and heat for a 30 second interval to start then follow up with 15 second intervals until it reaches your desired level of hot.
Basil Tea FAQs
Can you serve basil tea cold?
Absolutely! Simply pour the tea over ice after 15 minutes of steeping or allow to cool completely and serve with ice directly from the refrigerator.
Can you make a single serving of fresh basil tea?
Simply half the recipe (2 Tablespoons fresh basil and 8 ounces boiling water) and use a single cup steeper for making an individual mug of this fresh basil tea.
Fresh Basil Recipes to Make Next
If you tried this fresh basil tea recipe please let me know in the comments below!
You can also share a picture of it with me on Instagram by tagging @mylifeafterdairy so I can see all of your life after dairy adventures!
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Fresh Basil Tea
Peppery, fresh, and soothing, this homemade recipe for fresh basil tea is pure summer time bliss.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Water
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil
Instructions
-
Rinse ¼ cup fresh basil under cool water. Pat to dry and slice the basil into ribbons.
-
Bring a kettle with 16 ounces of water to 212°F.
-
Place the sliced leaves into the basket of a tea pot.
-
Pour the boiling water over the fresh sliced basil leaves.
-
Allow the basil to steep in the boiling water for 15 minutes.
-
Pour into a tea cup and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
To make an individual mug of basil tea, steep 2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh basil in 8 ounces of boiling water.
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