In summertime, I find an array of super sweet, sugary cold drinks, fruit juices, and caffeinated iced teas and coffees that are easy to access but leave me with a serious case of the blahs. To keep me feeling cool and energetic, I love creating my own concoctions of tasty beverages, one of which, is kukicha tea.
Kukicha tea is rich in minerals like zinc, selenium, copper and manganese. It also contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, niacin, theanine, flavonoids and amino acids. It also contains catechins, which act as powerful antioxidants, that minimize the effect of free radicals before they have a chance to damage other cells. Kukicha tea also helps to alkalize the body, which helps to prevent disease. Pretty great, right?
An easy way to make this tea is to boil a pot of water, tear off the tea bag paper labels and toss the tea bags into the pot. Bring the water with tea bags to a boil and then simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the strength of tea you like. Eden Foods brand has an excellent organic and kosher kind of kukicha tea. I take the individual bags to work with me and make myself a cup every morning. This tea can be enjoyed hot or cool.
For variety, try mixing 1/2 cool tea and 1/2 organic apple juice with a squeeze of lemon. It's a nice pick-me-up. Experiment with different combos of kukicha and other beverages, and don't forget a fun garnish. Enjoy!
http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=110550
LOL! I love the title of this! You're hilar! I <3 kukicha~ it's one of my all-time fave teas!!!
ReplyDelete