HERBAL “SUN TEA”

 Utilizing the power of the sun to brew a delicious, healing tea.

I love this time in the garden when the flowers are in full bloom! During the peak of summer, most of a plant’s beneficial and medicinal power is held in its flower. Similarly, with the intensity of the sun at its strongest, midsummer is the perfect opportunity to use both of these natural energies together to make a delicious tea, aptly named, “Sun Tea”. Sun Tea harnesses the powerful heat of the sun to extract the healing properties of herbs at their most potent stage. A simple, slow-brew process using distilled water, sunlight and herbs, the resulting tea is brilliantly coloured, subtle tasting, and the perfect compliment to a summer picnic. As  sunlight naturally imparts inner warmth and vitality, Sun Tea is a beautiful and symbolic way to celebrate and welcome summer. It’s easy and fun to make!

What you will need:

1. Mason Jar – 500 mL
2. Distilled Water
3. Sun Light – A bright sunny day!
4. Herbs for your brew

Herbs to consider & their medicinal properties:

RELAXING

Chamomile
Rose Petals
Mint
Lemon Balm

ENERGIZING

Bergamot Leaves
Lavender
Rosemary

TONIC FOR OVERALL HEALTH

Red Clover
Thyme
Yarrow Flower Tops
Echinacea Flowers & Leaves

Method:

1.  Place handful of herbs of your choice into a clean glass mason jar.
2.  Fill mason jar with distilled water. I fill the water up to the top, leaving a little room for the herbs to float tothe surface. Secure with a tight-fitting lid.
3.  Set in a hot and sunny spot in direct contact with the sunlight
4.  Let the tea infuse for 2-4 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger the tea will be.
5.  Strain and serve immediately over ice, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For serving, I like to garnish with sprigs of mint and leftover flowers. Enjoy!