Sun tea

Recipe

GREEN TEA, HIBISCUS, NETTLE

Sun tea is a flavorful version of traditional iced tea, but the heat of the sun infuses cold (or room temperature) water with a choice of ingredients, including herbal, fruit, black, green, or white tea leaves with or without caffeine. You can use loose leaves or tea bags. I find loose leaves more potent containing higher amounts of antioxidants in addition to having a chance to be creative and use flavors that seem most appealing and tasty when mixed. The most important thing is to make the sun tea in advance and have it ready when it is time to indulge and share it with friends.

Ingredients:

•    Filtered water (cold or room temperature)

•    Two tsp. of each: hibiscus, green tea, and nettle leaves

•    Honey or other natural sweeteners (optional)

•    Lemon wedges (optional)

•    Clean quart-size jar

•    Sunny day and positive attitude (not optional)

Method:

Place tea leaves in the jar and fill with water. Cover with the lid. Place the jar in a sunny spot and keep it there for 3-5 hours. Tea potency depends on brewing time and tea leaf quality. When ready, strain the tea into a pitcher or another jar. Add honey to taste if desired and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Add ice and lemon before serving (optional). Relax, sip slowly, and feel the therapeutic properties of tea infused with the sun’s healing energy.

Health facts:

•    Rich in iron (nettle)

•    Rich in vitamin C (nettle and hibiscus)

•    Rich in potassium and other minerals (nettle)

•    Rich in vitamin A and B1 (hibiscus)

•    Rich in polyphenols, and flavonoids

•    Great source of ECGC (green tea)

•    Good source of electrolytes

* Don't use this tea if you are pregnant. Consult with your medical practitioner before drinking this tea, especially if you are taking medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, or blood thinners.