Storage Tips for Tulsi Leaves and Tea bags
Here are some tips for properly storing Tulsi tea leaves and tea bags to preserve maximum flavor and shelf life:
When storing dried Tulsi leaves or Tulsi tea bags, it's important to keep them in an airtight container. Exposure to air can cause the leaves to lose their aroma and flavor. Place the Tulsi leaves or tea bags in a tightly sealed glass jar or tin. This will prevent air from getting in and the essential oils in the leaves from dissipating.
Store the Tulsi tea in a cool, dark place. Heat, light and humidity can all accelerate deterioration of the leaves. A cupboard, pantry or drawer away from direct sunlight and heat sources like stoves is ideal. The cooler the storage temperature the better for retention of flavor.
Only open the storage container when necessary and limit air exposure. Each time the jar or tin is opened, more air gets in leading to more oxidation. Take out only the amount of Tulsi leaves needed for one use and reseal the container quickly.
Try to use up Tulsi tea bags within 6 months and loose dried leaves within a year for best flavor. Properly stored as described above, the shelf life can be extended by a few months but the aroma and taste will slowly fade over time.
Label jars with the name and date of purchase. This allows you to track freshness and use the oldest Tulsi tea leaves first.
By following these tips on storing holy basil tea, also known as Tulsi leaves or Tulsi tea, you can better retain the signature aroma and flavor profile of this beneficial and tasty tea. Air-tight packaging, cool storage and minimal air exposure are key to preserving the precious oils and flavors of the leaves.
REFRESHING TULSI TEA BLENDS
Here are some tasty Tulsi tea recipe ideas:
Tulsi Masala Chai - Boil milk, water, Tulsi leaves, black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Strain and sweeten to taste.
Tulsi Masala Chai
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Ingredients | Measurement |
water | 2 cups |
Milk | 1 cup |
Tulsi leaves | 2 tablespoons loose leaves or 2 tea bags |
ginger | 1 inch piece |
Cardamom | 4-5 pods |
Cinnamon | 1-2 cinnamon sticks |
cloves | 2-3 cloves |
Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon black pepper |
Instructions of Tulsi Masala Chai
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Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
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Add Spices: Once the water is boiling, add the grated ginger, crushed Tulsi leaves, freshly ground black pepper, crushed cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
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Add Tea Leaves: Add the tea leaves or tea bags to the simmering water and let it brew for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the brewing time based on your preference for tea strength.
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Add Milk: Pour in the milk and let the chai come to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from overflowing.
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Sweeten: Add sugar to taste. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
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Strain and Serve: Once the chai is well-infused and has reached your desired strength, strain it into cups using a fine mesh strainer or a tea filter.
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Enjoy: Your Black Pepper Tulsi Masala Chai is ready! Serve hot and savor the delightful combination of tulsi, black pepper, and other spices.
Tulsi Lemon Ginger Tea
Ingredients | Measurement |
Tulsi Leaves | 1 Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea bag or 1 tablespoon of dried Tulsi leaves |
Ginger | 1 teaspoon grated ginger |
Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
honey | 1 to 2 teaspoons |
Water | 1 cup |
Instructions of Tulsi Lemon Ginger Tea
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Boil Water:
- Boil one cup of water in a pot or kettle.
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Infuse Tulsi:
- Place the Tulsi tea bag or dried Tulsi leaves in a cup.
- Pour the boiling water over the Tulsi and let it steep for 5-7 minutes. If using dried leaves, you may need to steep for a bit longer.
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Add Ginger:
- Add the grated ginger to the cup. Adjust the quantity based on your preference for the strength of ginger flavor.
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Squeeze Lemon:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the tea. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
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Sweeten (Optional):
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, add honey to the tea. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
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Strain (Optional):
- If you used loose Tulsi leaves, you may want to strain the tea before drinking to remove the leaves. If you used a tea bag, you can skip this step.
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Enjoy:
- Stir the tea well and enjoy your Tulsi Lemon Ginger Tea! You can sip it while it's warm.
Tulsi Lemon Ginger Tea - Steep Tulsi leaves, sliced ginger, and lemon juice in hot water. Can add honey as a sweetener.
Tulsi Peppermint Tea - Mix Tulsi leaves, peppermint leaves, and hot water. Let steep 5-7 minutes. Add honey if desired.
Tulsi Green Tea - Brew green tea leaves and Tulsi leaves together in hot water for 3-5 minutes. Sweeten if wanted.
Tulsi Oolong Tea - Combine oolong tea leaves and Tulsi. Steep in hot water for 5 minutes. Add lemon.
Tulsi Chamomile Tea - Steep chamomile flowers and Tulsi leaves in hot water. Sweeten with honey.
Tulsi Rose Tea - Boil Tulsi leaves, rose petals and water. Strain and add honey or sugar to taste.
Tulsi Fruit Tea - Mix Tulsi leaves, sliced fruit like mango, pineapple, orange, and hot water. Let sit 5 minutes.
Tulsi Lavender Tea - Steep Tulsi leaves and dried lavender in hot water. Strain and serve.
Tulsi Cardamom Tea - Boil water with Tulsi leaves, green cardamom pods, and black tea. Strain and enjoy.
NATURE’S CALMING ELIXIR; HOW TO MAKE TULSI TEA WITH FRESH AND DRIED LEAVES
Here are step-by-step instructions for making Tulsi tea from fresh or dried leaves:
Using Fresh Tulsi Leaves:
Rinse about 10-15 fresh Tulsi leaves under cold running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat.
Add the Tulsi leaves to a teacup or teapot. Pour the freshly boiled water over them. Cover and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
Strain the tea into cups, pressing the leaves to extract maximum flavor.
Add honey or lemon if desired. Tulsi tea can be enjoyed hot or chilled over ice.
Using Dried Tulsi Leaves:
Boil water in a saucepan. Remove from heat.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Tulsi leaves per cup of water into a teapot.
Pour the hot water over the leaves. Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the tea into cups, gently pressing the leaves.
Add honey or lemon if desired. Drink the Tulsi tea hot or over ice.
Notes:
Use more leaves for stronger flavor. Reduce for milder tea.
Steep longer for more intense, bitter notes. Shorter for milder tea.
Can add sliced ginger or cardamom pods to the tea while steeping.
Refrigerate leftover tea for up to 2-3 days. Reheat or chill as needed.
NATURE’S STRESS REEIVER; THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TULSI HOLY BASIL TEA
Title: The Many Health Benefits of Tulsi Tea
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an aromatic plant that has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. Drinking Tulsi tea has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many health benefits backed by scientific research. Here is an outline for a newsletter article on the health benefits of Tulsi tea.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Several studies have found that Tulsi helps lower cortisol levels and perceived stress. It contains compounds like eugenol that may reduce anxiety and elevate mood.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The phytochemicals in Tulsi have strong anti-inflammatory effects. By reducing inflammation, tulasi may help with conditions like arthritis, IBS, and heart disease.
Immunity and Colds/Flu
Tulsi is a natural antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. Regularly drinking Tulsi tea can help prevent colds and flu by boosting the immune system.
Adaptogenic Effects
Tulsi exhibits general adaptogenic effects on the body, enhancing the body's ability to handle stress and promoting balance. This helps fight the effects of chronic stress.
Oral Health
Compounds like eugenol found in Tulsi help fight bacteria that cause cavities, plaque, and bad breath. Tulsi keeps the mouth and teeth clean.
Conclusion:
Tulsi tea offers a wide array of scientifically-backed health benefits, from relieving stress and inflammation to strengthening the immune system and promoting oral health. Drinking just a few cups per week can have noticeable positive impacts on your overall wellbeing.