Turmeric Tea

 There has been much information available on the benefits of turmeric.  Research supports the benefits of turmeric for several chronic conditions: inflammation and pain, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, diabetes, various forms of cancer, anti-inflammatory helps with skin issues, and because it increases oxygen intake to the brain, it helps with memory.
Trying a Turmeric Tea seemed a logical experiment. (If you don't think turmeric is a common spice, check the label on any plain yellow mustard.)

Before making an online purchase, I decided to check at Wegmans and was happy to see one Turmeric Ginger tea available from Rishi Tea.

I was eager to try it and made a cup immediately after arriving home.  This gave the added benefit of an excuse to stay in the kitchen and put the groceries away.  The scent of the tea leaves is pleasant; although, I cannot describe it in specific terms.  The first few sips were enjoyable, if not memorable.  I noticed that taste did not come from the tongue but rather from the throat.

 But I discovered something with that first tasting: it had to be hot.  As it cooled, I truly did not enjoy it at all.  It left a spicy taste in my mouth, which was more of an after taste.

Because I did not want to write about a tea in such a negative way, I made another cup while writing.  I do enjoy it hot but did not give it time to cool.  I also added honey this time, which enhanced the flavor while toning down the spicy taste.  It has a marvelous light amber color.

This is a tea I will drink again but only hot.  As I tend to drink tea hours after making it, I will need to remind myself to drink this one immediately.  I also found the Rishi boxes to be informative both on brewing and tasting the tea and the origins of it.

Added bonus:  I found this recipe that I will try when I have a fresh jar of turmeric available.

Turmeric Tea Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon turmeric (powder or grated root)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pour coconut milk and water into the saucepan and warm for 2 minutes
2. Add in butter, raw honey and turmeric powder for another 2 minutes
3. Stir and pour into glasses.

The recipe and other information for this article was found on Dr. Axe - Food is Medicine.  But there are many sites with the same information.