Time for Mint Tea

Right outside our back patio, we have some mint growing.  We planted it several years ago and it has kind of taken over about an eight foot stretch along the bricks.  When we get the strong summer thunderstorms, you can walk out back and the air is filled with the scent of mint from the rain beating down on the mint leaves.  Even though we're still in winter, the mint looks healthy right now.


Mint putting on new growth

I like all things mint.  I like the scent and I like the taste. 


Mint leaves

Instead of having a cup of coffee this afternoon, we decided on having a hot cup of fresh mint tea - easy and refreshing.  I broke off four stems of mint leaves and brought them inside.

If you take the stalks of mint and fold them over and rub them between the palms of your hand, you'll bruise the mint and release the oils in the mint that will flavor your tea.


Bruising the mint to release the oils

Get four cups of water boiling and drop the mint in the pot, both stems and leaves.  Leave the water boiling and remove the mint and put it in a teapot. 

Boiling water

Here is the mint sitting at the bottom of a teapot.


Teapot with mint

Now that you are ready, pour the boiling water over the mint leaves in your teapot.  Put the cover on the teapot and allow to sit and steep for 5 minutes.  I wrapped the teapot with a dish towel to keep the tea piping hot while it steeped.


Pouring boiling water over the mint

We originally set up our tea party on the back patio, but it was too cold outside for the ladies... 


Time for Tea

Plan B moved things indoors to the parlor.  We poured the tea into teacups sweetened a little bit with some local honey.  Laura Lee was in from college for the weekend and joined in for tea time.


Laura Lee and Tricia enjoying some fresh mint tea

 Ahhhhh.  Good to the last drop!  

We enjoyed tea time with mint tea

This was easy and so very good.  I'm going to read up on drying some of the leaves in the dehydrator and look at other things to do with mint (tabbouleh, jelly, etc.)  We'll definitely make mint tea again.