Ginger Tea Recipe

Ginger Tea

1. 1

   Prepare ginger

   Rinse the fresh ginger root under cold water to remove any dirt. Using the edge of a spoon or a small knife, lightly peel the skin (peeling is optional if ginger is well washed). Thinly slice the ginger into 1/8- to 1/4-inch slices or lightly crush several slices with the flat side of a knife to release more juice.

2. 2

   Simmer

   Place 4 cups of water into a small saucepan. Add the sliced or crushed ginger. Bring water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes depending on how strong and spicy you want the tea (10 minutes = mild, 15 minutes = robust).

3. 3

   Sweeten and finish

   Remove the saucepan from heat. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof teapot or directly into cups to remove ginger pieces. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey while the tea is warm so it dissolves evenly. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and stir. If using, add a pinch of ground black pepper (this lightly enhances warming properties).

4. 4

   Serve

   Pour the ginger tea into cups. Garnish with a lemon slice if desired. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon to preference (add more honey or lemon juice to taste). Serve hot. Leftover tea can be cooled and refrigerated up to 48 hours; gently reheat before serving.