Making my own loose-leaf tea...?!
Making my own loose-leaf tea...?
I bought some herbs lately that are known to be good for making my own loose-leaf teas.
I think I can use just the herbs. Am I right? Or do I need actual tea leaves, too? The book I am using didn't seem to imply that I need tea leaves too, and that rather, I could just use the herbs...but now I'm not sure.
Would it be safe to use just the herbs? Some of the ones I bought were lavender, hibiscus, nettles, lemon balm, peppermint, and jasmine.
Websites would be helpful, but really I'm looking for a good answer from someone who makes his or her own teas.
Thanks so much!!!
Answers:
I think that is a great idea! If you notice, most of the herbal teas are those things that you have bought. I'm not sure if the hibiscus is the same hibiscus in those teas, but it might be. I have some loose leaf spearmint, and I know it's just spearmint leaves ground up, probably marketed for tea.
Is it safe? I'm not sure, but I can see how those things will make you sick. I don't think they're lethal either. I don't know any websites, but try WWW. adagio.com
and click under Herbal teas....you might recognize some of those herbs. good luck
I don't make my own loose leaf tea, but I buy it. I do not recall seeing actual tea leaves in all of my teas. Some have them in, and some I cannot find any, I think those are just herbs. The only thing I can think is that if you just used peppermint and water, I don't know that you would get the same flavor as peppermint with tea leaves and water. I think it will require some experimentation on your part to see what you like. If the book does not refer to tea leaves though, then I wouldn't fret over it.....Good luck!
You can use just herbs, you would just be making an herbal tea. Most likely this is all you'll want to do as actual tea leaves can be more complicated to dry than herbs. If you want actual tea blended with your herbs you can just buy those leaves already prepared and blend them yourself.
I make my own herbal tea from peppermint I grow in my garden. Just take caution when selecting the plants you're using, make sure they are not toxic.