Craving the perfect hot drink to strengthen your immune system during chilly winter days? Try this sea buckthorn tea recipe!
Made with a blend of sea buckthorn leaves and berries, this light, flavorful tea is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and a delightful taste.
Best of all, it's naturally caffeine-free and non-stimulating, making it the ideal cozy evening beverage to enjoy as you wind down!
What is Sea Buckthorn?
Sea buckthorn is a hardy, thorny shrub that produces vibrant orange berries. It's also known by several other names, including sandthorn, Siberian pineapple, shallow thorn, and seaberry. These berries are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and their distinctively tart flavor makes them a versatile ingredient in various recipes.
Where to Find Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn thrives in coastal regions, and if you're lucky enough to live in one of these areas, you might consider foraging it yourself. The shrub grows widely around the world, particularly in Northern Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. It flourishes in cold climates with well-drained soil and typically reaches a height of up to two meters. The plant has narrow, silver-scaled leaves and a striking appearance.
Ingredients for Sea Buckthorn Tea
Sea buckthorn is the key ingredient for this tea. A blend of both leaves and berries creates a well-rounded flavor, but using just one—either the berries or the leaves—also works wonderfully, depending on availability. The leaves offer a mild, hay-like taste, while the berries contribute their signature tartness and refreshing notes. For added depth, consider incorporating spices such as cinnamon or star anise. To finish, a sweetener of choice or a dash of lemon juice can be added to enhance the flavor balance.
Drying the Ingredients
1. For fresh sea buckthorn tea, simply steep the leaves in hot water, avoiding boiling temperatures. Around 90°C (194°F) is ideal.
2. The berries can be cut and infused as well for added flavor. To make your sea buckthorn tea storable, drying the leaves and berries is the best method.
3. Begin by spreading them out evenly on a baking sheet. It’s best to dry the leaves and berries separately, as they have different drying times.
Preheat the oven to 60°C (140°F). The leaves should dry in a few hours, but they can continue drying at room temperature afterward.
4. The berries will take longer in the oven—approximately 6-7 hours. Once they're done in the oven, allow them to dry further at room temperature until all remaining moisture is gone. Ensure the drying area is warm, dry, and shielded from direct sunlight.
Steeping the Tea
Place your preferred mixture of sea buckthorn leaves and berries into a tea bag and steep it in hot water for about 7-10 minutes. For those unable to find fresh sea buckthorn or who prefer a more convenient option, pre-made sea buckthorn tea is available online. This simple tea recipe offers a rewarding experience, especially when the ingredients are foraged personally.
Refreshing Sea Buckthorn Tea Recipe | How to Make Sea Buckthorn Tea
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