Making iced tea is a straightforward process, and it offers various potential health benefits. Here’s our healthy and deliciously refreshing recipe for African Summer Iced Tea. Buds & Beads African Summer is an African herbal blend of Rooibos, cinnamon, orange peel & star anise. Rich in antioxidants, African Summer herbal blend is caffeine free, helps improve digestion and is uplifting.

African Summer Iced Tea

Ingredients to make 1 litre of Iced Tea:

• 5 teaspoons of Buds & Beads African Summer herbal tea.
• 1 litre of filtered water.
• Ice cubes.
• Sweetener (optional), 2 teaspoons of pure honey is our recommendation.
• Lemon or orange slices or even mint leaves (optional for flavouring).

Instructions:

~Boil water: we recommend 5 teaspoons per 1 litre, adjust your measurement according to the amount of water you use.

~Steep Tea: Place the leaf tea in a large teapot or heat-proof pitcher. Pour the hot water over the leaf tea. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Hint: because you are using ice cubes that will dilute your tea slightly, we recommend you steep for 5 minutes. If you prefer stronger tea, you can let it steep longer, but be mindful not to oversteep, as it can become bitter.

~After steeping, pour or strain your tea into your preferred vessel.

~Sweeten (Optional): If desired, add 2 teaspoons per litre while the tea is still warm to help it dissolve. You can use agave syrup, or another sweetener of your choice. Adjust sweetness to taste.

~Cool and Chill: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature. You can let it sit on the counter or speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator.

~Serve: Once cooled, add ice cubes to a glass and pour the tea over the ice. You can also add lemon or orange slices, mint leaves, or other flavourings for added taste.

Health Benefits of Iced Tea:

Antioxidants: Tea, especially green and white tea, contains antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids that can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Rooibos is a herbal leaf that is rich in antioxidants and has no caffeine.

Hydration: Iced tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake, aiding in hydration. However, avoid excessive sweeteners or caffeine if you have concerns about their effects on hydration.

Heart Health: Some studies suggest that regular tea consumption might be linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke due to its potential to improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation.

Weight Management: Unsweetened iced tea is a low-calorie beverage that can be a good alternative to sugary drinks, potentially aiding in weight management when part of a balanced diet.

Mental Alertness: The caffeine content in tea can provide a moderate energy boost and improve mental alertness without the jittery feeling often associated with higher caffeine beverages like coffee.

Always remember that individual health benefits may vary, and excessive consumption of sweetened or caffeinated beverages should be avoided. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.