Tea makes me happy. My newest discovery, introduced to me by a fellow tea-lover is Japanese genmaicha tea (green tea with toasted brown rice in it). Originally added to make the drink more affordable, the toasted rice gives a nutty flavour to the tea which is unusually savoury but extremely tasty. I’m so smitten I think I might trial it as a permanent addition to my tea cupboard (yes, I have a cupboard devoted entirely to tea!). From Kashmiri kahwa tea and Chinese oolong to sweet fennel and the reliable English Breakfast, I think it’s pretty well stocked and there’s usually a brew to suit my mood.

I had a sore tummy last night – could the cupboard deliver? I did recently buy some lemon and ginger tea by Heath & Heather from my local health food shop which did not disappoint on the taste front – you get a really good kick of dried ginger and zesty lemon. But it’s just not fresh. Ginger claims to cure all manner of ailments and an upset tummy is one of them.

My dad makes a variation of this and in my eyes it is pure magic. It feels cleansing and calming and medicinal (in a good way).

Soothing ginger & lemon detox tea

Makes 4 cups

Ingredients:

– 1 thumb ginger, grated
– juice 1/2 lemon
– 4 cups boiling water
– 2 teaspoons honey (or to taste)

Method:

Put the ginger and lemon juice into a pan or teapot, pour over the boiling water and let it brew for ten minutes. Stir in the honey.

Strain before drinking. Can be served iced as well as hot.

Source: Recipe and photos by pip & little blue.