Name: Peppermint Tea
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups water; 1 bunch fresh peppermint leaves, lightly crushed; 2 tsp honey, to taste (optional)

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Peppermint Tea

TeaEasyPrep 3 minCook 7 minServes 2

Traditional preparation. This is not medical advice and nothing here promises a cure. Fresh peppermint leaves steeped in hot water make a cool, fragrant cup traditionally enjoyed after meals.

Traditional preparation. This is not medical advice and nothing here promises a cure.

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 bunch fresh peppermint leaves, lightly crushed
2 tsp honey, to taste (optional)

Steps

Bring the water to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Add the crushed peppermint leaves, cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain into two mugs.
Sweeten lightly with honey if you like.

Serve with: a square of dark chocolate or a plain biscuit.

Lightly crushing the leaves before steeping releases more of the mint aroma.

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Tips & mistakes

Lightly crush the leaves with the back of a spoon before steeping — it releases far more aroma than whole leaves do.
Cover the cup while it steeps; the steam carries the mint scent, and covering keeps it in the tea instead of the room.
Use water just off the boil, not a rolling boil, so the leaves don't turn bitter.
Steep 5 to 7 minutes: shorter is too weak, longer turns grassy and dull.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use dried peppermint? Yes: use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves per cup and steep the same way, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes. Dried mint is stronger than fresh, so don't add more than a tablespoon or the tea turns harsh.

Can I make a bigger pot? Yes: scale the leaves and water equally and steep covered for the same time. A teapot with a lid works well because it holds the heat and the aroma in.

How do I store fresh mint? Wrap the stems in a damp paper towel inside a bag in the fridge; it keeps about a week. Change the towel if it dries out, and pick off any dark leaves before using.

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