Springtime is the perfect season to awaken your senses with a cup of refreshing tea. As the days lengthen and the sun shines brighter, nature awakens from its winter slumber. Inspiring a renewed sense of vitality. Now is the time to embrace the season with a selection of springtime teas. Capturing the essence of this beautiful vibrant period.
What Makes a Tea Truly "Spring"?
Spring teas are characterised by a distinct set of qualities:
Lightness and Delicacy: Expect lighter, more refreshing flavours and aromas compared to the robust, deep brews of winter.
Vibrant Floral Notes: Delicate floral hints of rose, jasmine, elderflower, and other spring blossoms are often prominent.
Subtle Fruity Accents: Many spring teas exhibit subtle fruity undertones, such as citrus or berry, adding a touch of brightness.
A Sense of Renewal: Spring teas evoke a sense of freshness and rejuvenation, mirroring the awakening of nature.
Top Spring Tea Choices:
Green Tea: Known for its subtle sweetness and slightly grassy flavor, green tea is a classic spring choice.
Chamomile Tea: Calming and soothing, chamomile tea is perfect for a relaxing evening.
Lemon Balm Tea: Uplifting and refreshing, lemon balm tea offers a gentle boost.
Peppermint Tea: Invigorating and refreshing, peppermint tea is a classic choice.
Spring Teas with a British Twist:
Nettle Tea: A nutritional powerhouse, nettle tea is a traditional British remedy with a slightly grassy flavour. A great remedy for seasonal hay fever.
Elderflower Tea: Delicate and fragrant, elderflower tea is a true taste of English spring.
How To Create Your Own Springtime Tea Blends:
But why not take it a step further and create your own unique spring tea blends? Here's your guide to using readily available British botanicals:
Gather Your Springtime herbs and botanicals:
Nettles: A nutritional powerhouse, nettles are abundant in spring. You'll find them growing in scrubland, borders and untidy gardens. Young leaves are best for tea. Pick them with gloves to avoid stings. Find plants that are away from pollution from traffic or dog walkers.
Elderflowers: These delicate blooms add a touch of floral sweetness to any infusion. Elder trees are usually found in hedgerows, you'll notice them by their large clusters of little white flowers. They a have a strong fresh scent. Don't use anything but the flowers.
Dandelion Leaves: A slightly bitter but invigorating addition to your tea blend. Pick the leaves before the flowers turn to seed. The leaves are dog-toothed shaped and are sticky when picked.
Hawthorn Leaves: Known for their calming properties, hawthorn leaves make a gentle and refreshing tea.
Lemon Balm: This aromatic herb has a lemony flavour and can be used to create a soothing and uplifting infusion. Lemon Balm is easy to grow in pots in the garden. A worthy addition to any kitchen garden.
Harvesting and Preparation:
Harvest Responsibly: Only gather what you need and leave plenty for wildlife.
Clean Thoroughly: Wash all harvested plants gently to remove any dirt or insects.
Dry Carefully:
Air Drying: The traditional method. Spread plants on a clean cloth or trays in a warm, airy, and shady location.
Dehydrator: A faster method, but ensure the temperature is low to preserve the delicate flavours. You can pick up a cheap dehydrator from Amazon for only thirty pounds. They are reasonably cost effective to run, but you will need to run a dehydrator for 3-10 hours depending on what you are drying.
Creating Your Springtime Tea Blends:
Simple Infusions:
Nettle Tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried (or fresh) nettle leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
Elderflower Tea: Combine dried elderflowers with a touch of honey and lemon for a refreshing summer drink.
Dandelion Leaf Tea: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
Herbal Combinations:
Spring Awakening: Combine equal parts dried nettle leaves and lemon balm.
Floral Delight: Blend dried elderflowers with a small amount of dried hawthorn leaves.
Dandelion & Nettle: A revitalising blend for a spring boost.
Brewing Tips:
Use Filtered Water: For the best flavour, use filtered or spring water.
Adjust Steeping Time: Experiment with different steeping times to find your preferred strength.
Add Flavour: Enhance your tea with a slice of lemon, a sprig of fresh mint, or a drizzle of honey.
Enjoy the Blossoming Flavours of Spring
By exploring the world of spring teas, you can awaken your senses and embrace the vibrant energy of the season. Whether you choose a commercially available blend or create your own unique infusions, savour the delicate flavours and enjoy the refreshing qualities of these seasonal delights.
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