How to Make Mint Tea from Scratch (Hot or Iced) (VIDEO)

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Did you know that besides water, tea is a globally frequently consumed beverage? It has been drunk for thousands of years as part of a regular daily habit by people of all ages and is in most parts of the planet.

To me it seems natural when children drink tea, but not in the US, more sugary beverages are more welcome for little ones than tea. But in my house we are all tea lovers. I was teaching my kiddos to drink tea at a very early age. Chamomile tea was introduced to them in a popsicle form for teething.

Today I want to share with you the most favorite tea by my oldest son Thomas who is a big lover of mint tea. During the colder months, he loves warm mint tea with honey or ice tea on hot days.

WHY MINT TEA IS GOOD FOR YOU?

Mint has been used to treat indigestion, gas, flatulence, mouth sores, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, morning sickness and dysmenorrhea.

According to the Mark Pedersen in his book Nutritional Herbology mint contains aromatic compounds that increase the production of digestive fluids, relieve muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, reduce pains, promote sweating and are antiseptic. It also contains astringent compounds which shrink inflamed tissues.

Mint tea contains calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.

Creating a refreshing mint tea from scratch is simple and delightful. All families can enjoy it  and as a part of the  "before bed ritual", we often drink tea and read books before bed. A warm/hot beverage that is an aid for the digestive system; it's a call to the brain that it is now time to rest and digest.

WHY MINT TEA FROM SCRATCH?

Once you’ve tried a cup of fresh mint tea you’ll never go back to the dried mint tea FROM A BAG you get in a package.  There’s just no comparing the flavor of brewing from fresh leaves vs. dried.  Fresh mint tea tastes bright and clean with a lot of under taste notes while the flavor of dried mint can be rather bitter and dull when brewed too long.

Also importantly there is one more fact to consider when you choose tea in a bag vs loose or even from fresh leaves, which is plastic!

Many tea bags do contain plastic. Some tea bags are made with polypropylene, a type of plastic used to seal the bags, which helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking apart. This can be a red flag for both ENVIRONMENTAL and HEALTH reasons.

Here are a few key points about plastic in tea bags:

1. Environmental Impact: When tea bags containing plastic are composted or disposed of in the environment, they contribute to plastic pollution. The plastic does not biodegrade fully, leading to microplastic pollution.

2. Health Concerns: Some studies have shown that steeping plastic-containing tea bags in hot water can release microplastics and other potentially harmful chemicals into the tea, which may pose health risks.

3. Alternatives: To avoid plastic in tea bags, consider using loose leaf tea with a reusable infuser, or look for brands that explicitly state they use plastic-free, biodegradable materials for their tea bags. Some brands use materials like corn starch-based fibers, hemp, or other plant-based alternatives.

If you're concerned about plastic in tea bags, checking the packaging or the company's website for information on their tea bag materials can be helpful.

CAN MINT BE FERMENTED?

Knowing me for a while you probably can guess that I like to turn everything good for you to something that is very good for you. Creating a more harmonious life requires me to search for the healthiest ways to consume our food. 

Sometimes some things are ok to leave along as it is, the way God made it, but not in my mind. I like to think that if it's an opportunity to turn something that is good for you to something that is very good for you, then I am helping to create harmony with our bodies.

I like ferment and do so with pretty much anything that comes into my hands. Fermenting herbs became my go to thing to do after I read a book entitled the Art of Fermentation a number of years ago. Fermenting herbs before turning them into herb vinaigrette or fermenting herbs for teas has become routine for me.

I'm a strong believer that food and drinks are the greatest community builders. They invite people to sit and stay awhile, and families to gather together as well as welcome new neighbors, travelers and friends.

Mint tea, just like most food and beverage fermentation processes, were used in ancient rituals.

I have spent more than a decade exploring the benefits of fermentation. I do not have a background in microbiology or food science. I'm just a food-loving back-to-the-land wife and mom who became obsessed with fermentation in order to raise a healthy family. Read here more about my obsession.

Variations of Mint tea

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to make mint lemon tea.

• Add freshly grated ginger to make mint ginger tea.

• Add green tea to make Moroccan mint tea.

• Add more honey to make more sweeter tea.

What mint is best for mint tea?

We visited, my friend, Mary last month up in Greenwood SC. She has a big garden and she is also a talented cook. She was so sweet to send me home with a bunch of goodies from her garden. She had a variety of mint and after smelling each plant, I went home with apple mint, a slightly fruity and more delicate flavor than spearmint.

Spearmint

Flavor: More commonly used for teas. Sweet, mild, and refreshing with a hint of spiciness.

Uses: Commonly used in beverages, desserts, and savory dishes. It’s a classic choice for traditional mint tea.

Apple Mint

Flavor: Milder than spearmint, with a fruity, apple-like undertone. Uses: Excellent for a more delicate and aromatic tea. It can also be used in salads, fruit dishes, and as a garnish.

For mint tea, spearmint is great if you prefer a classic, slightly spicy mint flavor. Apple mint is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a more subtle, fruity, and aromatic experience.

Harvest the Mint Leaves:

• If you have a mint plant, pick a handful of fresh mint leaves. Wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or insects.

• If using store-bought mint, rinse the leaves under cold water.

TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE THE HEALTHIEST MINT TEA?

To release the oils. Before you add the mint leaves to the tea as it is, using a blender or food processor bruises the leaves and makes them release the oils. 

Favorite ratios and adding's. Everyone prefers different concentrations of tea, and different sweetness levels. So I recommend that you first follow the recipe and watch the video. Once you get the feel for it, experiment and create your own versions.

Refrigerate tea. This fermented tea, just like any ferment, can last in your fridge for a while and you can brew it any time you feel like within 2-3 weeks, pouring extra honey on top of the jar (works like a preservative too) and keeping it covered in a jar. But if you make tea and have leftovers, keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. 

How to Make Homemade Fermented Mint Tea?

1. Harvest your mint leaves, wash off any dirt and then dry on a kitchen towel, if there is some moisture that is perfectly fine.

2. Take the leaves off the steams and add to the blender or the food processor. I used 6 cups of leaves thickly packed.

3. Pour honey into the blender 8 -16 ounces. Blend everything together.

4. Pour into a jar and keep in the fridge. Add little more honey on top (optional)

5. When you are ready to drink tea, add one teaspoon onto a tea strainer and pour hot water. Adjust sweetness, you may need more honey. ENJOY hot or pour over ice.