Freshly brewed guava leaf tea delivers an earthy, mildly floral aroma with a clean, smooth, and tannic finish reminiscent of high-grade green tea. It offers a
Prep time5 minutes
Cook time10 minutes
Total time15 minutes
Servings2 servings (approx. 250 ml each)
Equipment
- Small stainless steel saucepan: Heats water evenly and prevents metallic off-flavors during the simmer.
- Fine-mesh strainer: Catches tiny leaf fragments and sediment to ensure a crystal-clear pour.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: Handles hot leaves safely when washing, adding, and removing them from boiling water.
- Heat-proof glass or ceramic mug: Retains heat effectively without altering delicate herbal aromas.
Ingredients
- Fresh guava leaves: 10 to 12 young leaves (rinse thoroughly; substitute with 2 tablespoons dried, crushed guava leaves if fresh are unavailable)
- Filtered water: 2.5 cups (approx. 600 ml)
- Cinnamon stick (optional): 1 small piece (adds warm sweetness without sugar or net carbs)
- Lemon slice (optional): 1 thin slice (brightens the earthy brew; omit to keep carbs strictly zero)
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Instructions
- Rinse and prepare the leaves: Wash 10–12 guava leaves under cold running water, gently rubbing surfaces to dislodge surface dirt. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel and lightly bruise them with your fingers to release essential oils.
- Bring water to an initial boil: Pour 2.5 cups of filtered water into a small stainless steel saucepan over high heat; bring to a rolling, active boil with large rolling bubbles.
- Add leaves and reduce heat: Add the bruised leaves (and optional cinnamon stick). Immediately lower heat to medium-low so the liquid drops to a gentle, steady simmer.
- Simmer for extraction: Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for the liquid to turn a light amber-green hue, with the aroma shifting from grassy to gently floral.
- Strain and serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Pour the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve directly into heat-proof mugs, discarding spent leaves immediately to stop extraction. Sip plain to protect your low-carb macros, or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
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Nutrition
Calories: 2 kcal · Protein: 0.1 g · Fat: s: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg · Carbohydrates: 0.4 g · Fiber: 0.2 g · Sugar: 0 g · Sodium: 2 mg
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