Sun Dried Tea

Medicinal for Mind and Body

 

As we head into the cooler weather autumn brings, teas are an especially delightful treat.  Most any herb can be dried and brewed into a nourishing tea.  While purchasing from local purveyors is convenient, the process of making homemade tea is not complex.  It is as easy as picking the stems, plucking the leaves, rinsing if you choose and placing in a warm sunny spot to dry.  If time is a limiting factor, a dehydrator will speed the drying time.  If you prefer a roasted aroma, you might choose the latter instead.

 

For me, sun drenched and dried is my favorite.  Living in the tropics, I am fortunate there is sunshine most of the year.   The quickest spot I have found for sun drying tea is in the back of my  car.  I place the plucked leaves on a tray in my hatchback and check in once a day to toss and turn the leaves to encourage even drying.  In a few days, they are generally curled up and ready to brew.  Always be sure to begin with leaves or flowers that are pesticide free.

 

Hawaii has native trees that are especially supportive of cleansing the liver, both with a surprisingly pleasant taste.  One such favorite is moringa and another is mamaki (pictured left).   While I am lucky to have my own mamaki tree, every so often, I am gifted a branch of moringa.  Both make fortifying flavorful teas; other common herbs and plants I have used include catnip leaves (pictured above right) hibiscus flowers, passion fruit flowers and leaves.   I can not resist making a fresh basil, cilantro, or lemongrass tea from time to time or  blending a dried an assortment is always fun.  Savory teas are uniquely pleasant.  If you are curious to try some savory delights, some of my favorite combinations include carrot curry, cilantro broccoli, spinach chive, peppered fennel celery and beet cabbage, all inspired by Numi who used to offer an organic garden sampler of these remarkable combinations. Much like a broth but lighter, savory teas provide a comforting  beverage on a cool day.

 

If time is a concern, the Waimea Herb Company is a Big Island family owned (mother and daughter) company who offer a selection of Hawaii grown mamaki teas enriched with other healing herbs including chamomile for relaxing, lemongrass to purify, peppermint to uplift, cacao to boost, and bergamot lavender to invigorate and soothe.  All varieties come unsweetened or naturally sweetened with Big Island grown stevia.  While I carry their teas in my office, they can be purchased directly for the same price at the Saturday Farmer’s Market in Kamuela, Hawaii or at the Waimea Herb Company online store.