“ AMONG THE OLDEST DRINKS IN THE WORLD ,
TOP TEA PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDEN
Hibiscus
Fast-growing and large flowers , hibiscus grow well in temperate climates and steep into delicious , beneficial teas . Once a hibiscus flower blooms , it will shrivel and drop off the plant . They are known to be resilient and grow easily , making them a great plant for beginning gardeners . With hibiscus , the most work you will have to do is pruning them back . Make sure they don ’ t overshadow other plants . Often , people will use lattices to help support their upward growth .
Bee Balm
A perennial herb , Bee Balm is a beautiful flower known for blooming in bright red , purple , and pink . The bright colors attract butterflies and bees , hence its name . It is suggested that gargling this tea can help alleviate a sore throat . Provide Bee Balm with some shade and soil with good drainage , and you won ’ t have a problem cultivating plenty for multiple servings of tea . Raised beds provide excellent drainage and are wonderful for tea gardens .
Mint
Everyone knows mint . Not only is it a popular flavor and widely used cooking ingredient , it is a delicious tea . As you ’ ll notice with most teas , it grows with minimal effort and isn ’ t too picky about where it is . Mint will grow quickly so keep it contained , but it will give your garden a revitalizing smell . The stem , old leaves , and new leaves can be used to create some of the most refreshing tea there is .
BREWING HOME- GROWN TEA
For those that have never brewed loose-leaf tea , it ’ s easy :
Pick your ingredients fresh or use them after they ’ ve dried depending on the tea ( 48 hours drying time , but still fresher than any tea you can buy ).
1 . Bring your pot of water up to a soft boil and add your desired amount of tea .
2 . Cover and steep on very low heat for 15-20 minutes .
3 . Pour into heat-proof cup or jug and use a mesh screen / filter to filter out the tea pieces .
4 . Let cool , sip , and enjoy .
Lavender
This flower ’ s aroma is famous for its use in aromatherapy and will remind most people of rest and relaxation . It ’ s a blue flower capable of creating purple-blue tea and will grow fervently as long as they have good drainage and sunlight . Many people feel lavender tea can relieve stress and suggest its vapors should be inhaled right after steeping . Regardless of actual health properties , lavender is associated with de-stressing . That ’ s why this beautiful flower is sought after by those trying to quieten their mind and relax their body .
Chamomile
Chamomile is an adorable flower similar to a small daisy . It will grow easily , but temperatures of more than 98 ° F can be damaging ( not many garden plants will do well in 98 ° F-plus weather for long ). Chamomile steeps into a light-golden tea , perfect for sipping hot or cold . Many teas , like this one , can be cooled after steeping and kept in a fridge . This way , you have a cold beverage other than water or soda to enjoy during the hotter days .
Overall , many herbs and flowering plants can be made into tea and are easily grown in raised beds , pots , and planters . The varieties we mentioned are some of the most popular garden grown options and don ’ t contain caffeine ; they ’ re more for relaxation and flavor . For caffeinated teas such as white , green , black , and oolong you ’ ll want to look into growing Camellia sinensis ( and its subspecies ) which is an evergreen shrub / tree . The different types of caffeinated teas all come from this plant species and are simply processed differently to make the different styles . Enjoy !
“ AMONG THE OLDEST DRINKS IN THE WORLD ,
tea is both delicious and associated with health benefits like improved digestion and relaxation .”
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