Fragrant Perilla Leaf Tea
Crafting a Calcium-Rich and Aromatic Perilla Leaf Tea for Warmth
I made this tea because perilla leaves are known to be rich in calcium, reportedly eight times more than in milk. Since it’s winter, drinking this warm tea is a wonderful way to stay cozy and feel good.
Ingredients- 6 bundles of fresh perilla leaves
- 3 lemons
- Hot water (as needed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, trim off the tough stems from the perilla leaves. This makes them easier to wash and dry later.
Step 2
Fill a bowl with water and dissolve a vegetable wash. Submerge the trimmed perilla leaves for about 5 minutes. This helps to effectively remove any residual pesticides.
Step 3
After rinsing off the vegetable wash, carefully wash each perilla leaf under cold running water. It’s important to wash them thoroughly as perilla leaves can sometimes have pesticide residue. A clean leaf will result in a better-tasting and more fragrant tea.
Step 4
Gently pat the washed perilla leaves dry. Stack several leaves together and roll them up tightly, similar to making a sushi roll. Once rolled, thinly slice them. This shape is ideal for drying and steeping.
Step 5
Place the thinly sliced perilla leaves in a food dehydrator and dry for about 1 hour. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can also use an air fryer or microwave, but be sure to adjust the time and temperature according to your appliance’s specifications.
Step 6
Now, let’s prepare the lemons to add extra flavor to our tea. Just like the perilla leaves, soak the lemons in the vegetable wash solution for 5 minutes.
Step 7
Rinse the lemons thoroughly under cold running water until they feel ‘squeaky’ clean. Since we’ll be using the peel, it’s crucial to wash them meticulously.
Step 8
Cut off both ends of the lemons. Halve them, and then slice them thinly into half-moon shapes. Thin slices will dry better and release their fragrant oils more effectively when steeped.
Step 9
Arrange the thinly sliced lemon pieces in the food dehydrator and dry for approximately 5 hours. Ensuring all the moisture is removed will allow for longer storage.
Step 10
It’s time to enjoy your delicious perilla leaf tea! Place a slice of dried lemon and a suitable amount of dried perilla leaves into a cup. Pour hot, steaming water over them and let it steep.
Step 11
After a short while, your fragrant perilla leaf tea will be ready. Remove the perilla leaves and lemon slices from the cup before drinking. The first sip offers a delicate herbal aroma, reminiscent of chamomile, combined with the refreshing zest of lemon. The blend of fragrance and tartness creates a delightful beverage that uplifts your spirits with every cup.
