SOUTHERN SUMMER SUMAC {iced tea}

Some of nature’s finest gifts blended to create an herbally complex but fun and easy sipping iced tea that is deeply restorative and enjoyable. You will probably want to add a sweetness to this one to enhance its tart, salty flavors from the sumac berry to create an iced tea like no other.

Health notes: We got really excited with this one! I knew I wanted to offer you Sumac lemonade like what I grew up on, but I knew I could do one step better. A deeply restorative tonic is just what this brew wanted to be. So we did it!

Sumac is a well known antioxidant powerhouse and I also wanted this to be really hydrating so I added in Hibiscus calyx. I then wanted to play upon the complexity of this lovely berry, so I brought in another deliciously complex herb, Holy Basil. Its been noted for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition as a rasayana, powerful restorative tonic, with its adaptogenic, antiinflammatory, immune supportive, focus and digestive supportive properties. Lemon Verbena brings a brightness and blast of soothing sunshine to the cup for the perfect finish.

ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS:

Sumac Berries, Lemon Verbena, Holy Basil + Hibiscus Flowers

{ CAFFEINE FREE }

Iced Tea Brewing Directions per quart:

Steep 2 tea bags (or 4 Tb loose tea blend in a large steeping bag) in 1/2 quart of 175º water for 15 minutes (longer steep times will add strength). Cover while steeping. Remove tea bags when desired strength is reached. Add 2 Tb sugar (or to taste). Stir. Add 1/2 quart cold water. Stir and pour over ice in glasses to enjoy. Can refrigerate up to 3 days to enjoy later. Garnish ideas: Fresh lemon wedge and a touch of sweetness is a must :)

Iced Tea brewing Directions per 16oz glass:

Steep 1 tea bag or 2Tb loose tea blend in approximately 4oz 175º water for 15 minutes. Cover while steeping. Remove tea leaves, add 1Tb sugar (to taste), stir, fill with 8oz cold water and pour over 16oz glass filled with ice. Should fill a 16oz glass, if not, add more water and enjoy! Can garnish with lemon or mint sprigs.

Sun Tea Instructions: 

Place 2 teabags or 4TB in a quart jar (32oz) and cover with filtered/distilled/pure water, filling the jar completely.  Cap, shake well, and place in direct sunlight allowing the sun to provide natural heat and infusion into the water.  Time equals strength of brew.  I like a minimum of a 4 hour steep.  For sweetener (suggested), simply fill another jar with 1 cup of sugar and 1.5 cups of water.  Cap, shake well,  and place into the sun as well.  This will be your simple syrup to sweeten the tea as you like. 

Once the sun steep is complete, simply strain the tea or remove the tea bags.  To enjoy simply pour over ice, add sweetener to taste and a squeeze of lemon makes this one extra special.  Can save in fridge for up to 3 days.  

Note: Some say that this method is not safe for those with severely compromised immune systems.