Yeah I know, this sounds so simple!! But hey, how can a pass writing the recipe about this beautiful iced tea!! The brightness of the orange zest with the pungent clove rounded out with the delightful Assam black tea makes this drink a win!!
Ok, let’s talk about this “Assam black tea” what is it?! Fist of all, Assam is a state in northeastern India by the Himalayas, it is home to lots of awesome wildlife like the one horned rhino, water Buffalo, Pygmy hogs, tigers, and elephants!! Along with these amazing animals, Assam is known for its wonderful tea and silk. Assam is one of the largest tea producers in the world!!
The tea is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis just like all other black, green, or oolong tea we drink. If you haven’t experienced the amazing flavor and smoothness Assam tea has, i highly recommend trying it now!!:). It’s super smooth and creamy thanks to Assams tropical climate and the way the oxidize the leaves. Black tea is amazing for you, it’s high in antioxidants and flavonoids, meaning it’s great for heart and brain health, has anti-cancer effects, supports immune function, and prevents diseases by getting rid of free radicles.
Zest, let’s talk zest of the orange. Orange peel contains good amounts of vitamin C and A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and calcium. Making it great for digestion, preventing cancer, and much more. It also contains polyphenols which may help prevent type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. The orange peel also contains 90% of the fruits essential oil, no wonder it’s so pungent!! These EO’s are very powerful containing limonene, a plant compound that has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Have fun trying to through away orange peels now!! 😉
Cloves, they’re powerful little aromatic flower buds come from a tree in the family Myrtaceae. They are native to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. Clove is often used in baking and flooring Curries and what-not. It’s amazing!! But did you know that it contains 55% of your DV of Manganese in 1 teaspoon?! A critical nutrient that helps you absorb all other vitamins and minerals. It’s also high in antioxidants, can help protect against cancer, antibacterial, can improve liver health, regulate blood sugar, promote bone health, and reduce stomach ulcers!! It’s also great for freshening your breath 😁.
The How-To:
I like to prepare tea in a French press-like tea pitcher.
Steep zest of half an orange, a pinch of clove, and 1 Tablespoons loose leaf Assam for 10 minutes covered to keep all the essential oils on there. Strain, add sweetener like honey if please, and pour over ice or enjoy hot!!:)
the potters table 