It’s snuggle-up time in North Idaho–lots of cold, short days lend themselves to sipping tea under a cozy blanket on the sofa beside the fire.
This particular tea recipe was born out of a desire to have a simple tea for sipping that included some herbal allies for peaceful relaxation.
To wit, this Winter Blanket White Tea blend features relaxing lavender, soothing chamomile, and white tea.
White tea incorporates uncured, un-oxidized tea leaves from early growth of Camellia sinensis (i.e., traditional tea).
White tea is thought to be lower in caffeine and higher in antioxidants than typical black or green tea. Because it is typically harvested from the earliest tea leaf buds and minimally processed, I think of white tea as “baby tea.”
White tea has a milder flavor and color than black or green tea; it typically presents with light floral notes as well. It’s more gentle nature and hint of floral flavor cause it to pair beautifully with dried flowers for tea.
For this blend I’ve selected chamomile and lavender for their gentle, calming effect and their herbal and floral flavors.
The resulting tea is light, balanced, clean, crisp, herbal, and floral with a wonderful energetic that settles, comforts, clears, and calms.
A few words about sourcing ingredients for this tea…
It’s important to use dried herbs and flowers that are organic and intended for consumption. Sadly, a number of dried herbs and flowers are sprayed and otherwise compromised. For something as lovely as this tea, you want the highest-quality, cleanest flowers you can get.
There are quite a few white teas on the market–my favorite (and the one I used in this recipe) is White Silver Needle Tea from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Winter Blanket White Tea
A light, crisp, herbal and floral blend composed of dried flowers and subtle white tea leaves. Perfect for sipping and snuggling under a blanket on a late afternoon by the fire.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup organic white tea leaves
- 1/2 cup organic dried chamomile flowers for tea
- 1/2 cup organic dried lavender flowers for tea
Directions
- Step 1 Combine all three ingredients in a large bowl and stir gently to combine being careful not to break the tea leaves.
- Step 2 Seal in an airtight jar and store in a cool, dark place.
- Step 3 To enjoy, use enough to fill your favorite tea sieve or mesh tea ball. Bring your kettle to a boil, turn off, and let the water sit a few moments before pouring into your cup or mug. Steep for five minutes, remove tea sieve or mesh ball, add honey (if desired) and enjoy.
