Rosemary tea

Equipment

• Small saucepan or electric tea kettle
• Fine-mesh tea strainer or infuser basket
• Your favorite mug

Ingredients

• Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: 2 whole sprigs (about 3–4 inches each), thoroughly rinsed (Alternative: 1.5 to 2 tablespoons dried whole rosemary leaves)
• Water: 2.5 cups (20 oz) filtered water (allows for slight evaporation during boiling)
• Lemon Juice (Optional): 1–2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• Sweetener (Optional): 1–2 teaspoons raw honey, maple syrup, or stevia

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rosemary Rinse the fresh rosemary sprigs under cold running water to remove any dust or dirt. Gently slap the sprigs between your palms or squeeze them lightly with your fingers. This mild bruising breaks the plant’s surface cells, allowing the aromatic essential oils (like eucalyptol and camphor) to infuse readily into the water.
2. Bring Water to a Rolling Boil Pour 2.5 cups of filtered water into a small saucepan or kettle. Bring the water to a full, rolling boil over high heat (212°F / 100°C).
3. Combine and Steep Place the bruised rosemary sprigs into the saucepan (or into a heatproof teapot/mug). Remove the water from the heat source and pour it directly over the rosemary.
4. Cover and Rest (Crucial Step) Immediately place a lid on your saucepan or teapot. Steeping covered is essential because the volatile organic compounds that give rosemary its therapeutic scent and health benefits will escape with the steam if left uncovered.
5. Select Your Steep Intensity Allow the tea to steep according to your taste preference: Mild & Crisp (5 Minutes): Light golden color, delicate herbal flavor, smooth finish. Ideal for tea beginners.
6. Balanced & Aromatic (7–8 Minutes): Deep golden amber hue, pronounced pine and herbal notes, pleasant warming finish.
7. Strong & Therapeutic (10 Minutes): Rich, darker amber, bold and slightly astringent finish. Best if combining with strong honey and lemon.
8. Strain and Garnish
9. Remove the lid and use a fine-mesh strainer to catch any small leaves as you pour the tea into your mugs. Stir in fresh lemon juice or honey if desired, and garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary or a slice of lemon.

Nutrition

Calories: 2 kcal 0% · Protein: 0 g 0% · Fat: 0 g 0% · Carbohydrates: 0.4 g <1% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 0 g 0% · Fiber: 0.1 g 0% · Sugar: 0 g 0% · Sodium: 5 mg <1%