As the sun climbs higher and temperatures soar, a cool, refreshing beverage becomes a daily necessity. Look no further than Chilled Ceylon White Tea with Berries – a delightful summertime drink that combines the delicate taste of Ceylon white tea with the burst of sweetness and color from fresh berries. This recipe is not only delicious but also beautifully simple to prepare.
What is Ceylon White Tea?
Ceylon white tea, a Sri Lankan treasure, is the least processed tea variety. This minimal processing results in a pale golden liquor with a subtle sweetness and delicate floral notes. Its light body and refreshing character make it perfect for a chilled beverage.
Unveiling the Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons loose leaf Ceylon white tea
- 400ml (14 fl oz) fresh, filtered water
- Honey to taste (optional)
- Fresh berries of your choice (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Utensils:
The Brewing Process
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Brew the Tea: Unlike a typical hot cup of tea, we’ll prepare a double serving. Heat 400ml of fresh, filtered water to 70-80°C (158-176°F). This is crucial, as using hotter water can lead to bitterness in white tea. Use a thermometer for precision, or remove the kettle from heat just before a full boil. Steep the 2 teaspoons of loose-leaf Ceylon white tea in the hot water for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. Shorter steeping times yield a lighter brew, while longer steeping times result in a fuller flavor.
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Cool the Tea: Once steeped, strain the tea into a heat-resistant pitcher or container. Allow the tea to cool completely at room temperature.
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Sweeten (Optional): If you prefer a touch of sweetness, stir in honey to taste while the tea is still warm. Honey complements the natural sweetness of white tea beautifully.
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Assemble the Chilled Tea: Fill a pitcher with ice cubes. Pour the cooled Ceylon white tea over the ice.
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Add the Berries: Gently add your chosen fresh berries to the pitcher. Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work wonderfully. The berries not only add a burst of sweetness and flavor but also create a visually stunning drink.
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Garnish (Optional): For an extra refreshing touch, garnish your chilled tea with a sprig of mint.
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Serve and Enjoy! Pour the chilled Ceylon white tea with berries into glasses and relish the delightful combination of delicate tea and sweet berries.
Tips for a Perfect Chilled Ceylon White Tea
- Freshness Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality Ceylon white tea leaves for the best flavor.
- Water Quality: Fresh, filtered water significantly impacts the final taste. Avoid using tap water with a strong chlorine taste.
- Experiment with Berries: Feel free to explore different berry combinations to discover your favorite flavor profile.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chilled tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the berries may lose their freshness over time.
With this simple recipe, you can create a refreshing and elegant beverage perfect for a hot summer day. So, grab your favorite berries, steep some Ceylon white tea, and enjoy a delightful escape from the heat!
Conclusion
Chilled Ceylon white tea with berries transcends mere refreshment; it embodies a delightful sensory journey. As the delicate essence of the tea intertwines with the natural sweetness of the berries, and their vibrant hues infuse a festive charm, every sip becomes an experience to relish. Whether unwinding after a taxing day or sharing a revitalizing moment with loved ones, this chilled tea promises an oasis of refreshment and enjoyment. So, when the sweltering heat calls, eschew sugary sodas and embrace this healthful, flavorful, and visually striking chilled tea creation. With minimal effort, a humble tea transforms into a summer essential, proving that the most invigorating experiences often stem from the simplest, most wholesome ingredients.
Let’s Brew Together: Share Your Tea Tales with Us!
Are you ready to take your tea brewing skills to the next level? We sure are, and we’d love for you to join us on this exciting journey!
At Ceylon Wild Tea, we’re all about sharing our passion for tea and discovering new ways to brew the perfect cup. Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or just starting out on your tea adventure, there’s always something new to learn and explore together.
So, why not update your tea brewing experience with us? Let’s swap tips, share recipes, and inspire each other to brew the most delicious and comforting cups of tea imaginable. Whether you prefer classic black teas, delicate green teas, or exotic herbal blends, there’s a place for you in our vibrant tea-loving community.
Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey through the wonderful world of tea. Together, let’s brew, sip, and savor every moment!
Frequently Asked Questions
📌What is the benefit of white tea?
Drinking white tea offers numerous benefits. The catechins in white tea help lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and prevent heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Being the least processed of all teas, white tea retains the highest level of antioxidants.
📌What is white tea grown in Sri Lanka called?
One of the most exquisite, rare, and expensive teas in the world, Ceylon White Tea is made from hand-plucked fresh silver tea buds of tea trees grown at high altitudes, ranging from 2200m to 2500m, in the tea-growing regions.
📌Is it safe to drink white tea everyday?
Numerous scientific studies have shown that drinking white tea daily, regardless of age, is excellent for your health. Organic white tea from China is particularly recommended for regular consumption due to its beneficial composition and careful processing after picking.
