Olive leaf tea

The key to a velvety, non-bitter olive leaf tea lies in controlling the temperature intensity and steep duration:

Equipment

• Small non-reactive saucepan (stainless steel or glass enamel) or a temperature-controlled kettle
• Fine-mesh stainless steel strainer or tea infuser teapot
• Teacups or heat-resistant glass mugs

Ingredients

Primary Botanical Base:

• 2 tablespoons dried organic olive leaves ( Olea europaea ), loosely crushed (or 1/4 cup fresh organic olive leaves, thoroughly washed)
• 20 fl oz (approx. 600 ml) filtered water (to yield two 8 oz cups after evaporation)

Flavor Enhancers & Botanicals (Optional):

• 1 tsp raw wild-flower honey or pure maple syrup
• 2 thin slices fresh organic lemon or 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 small twig fresh rosemary or 2–3 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tiny pinch Ceylon cinnamon or dried lavender buds

Instructions

Step 1: Leaf Preparation & Inspection

1. If using fresh olive leaves , harvest only from trees certified free of pesticides or chemical sprays. Wash leaves under cold running water, pat dry thoroughly, and tear or crush them gently between your fingers to break open the cell walls and release aromatic oils.
2. If using dried olive leaves , rub them gently between your palms to crush them into coarse flakes. Crushing increases the surface area for maximum extraction.

Step 2: Heating Water & Temperature Control

1. In a small stainless steel saucepan, bring 20 fl oz of filtered water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat intensity (approx. 212°F / 100°C).
2. Once boiling point is reached, remove the saucepan from direct heat and allow it to sit for 45 seconds to settle down to an ideal brewing temperature of roughly 200°F (93°C) .

Step 3: Infusion & Steeping (Medium Intensity)

1. Add the crushed olive leaves directly into the hot water (or place them in a fine-mesh infuser basket inside your teapot). Cover the vessel tightly with a lid to prevent volatile aromatic oils from escaping into the steam.
2. Allow the tea to steep for 10 to 12 minutes undisturbed.

Step 4: Straining & Finishing

1. Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into heat-safe mugs. The tea should display a clear, pale golden-amber hue.
2. Stir in a drop of raw honey or fresh lemon slices if desired. Lemon juice neutralizes excess bitterness and highlights the tea’s natural herbaceous brightness.

Nutrition

Calories: 2 kcal < 1% · Protein: 0.1 g < 1% · Fat: 0 g 0% · Carbohydrates: 0.5 g < 1% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 0 g 0% · Fiber: 0 g 0% · Sugar: 0 g 0% Added · Sodium: 2 mg < 1%