What are Tisanes?
Tisanes, also known as herbal teas, are not derived from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. Instead, they are made from various ingredients such as fruit, flowers, spices, or herbs. Due to their diverse ingredients, tisanes offer different flavours and can provide various health benefits. Initially used for medicinal purposes, tisanes are still used today to alleviate common ailments like upset stomach, inflammation, or insomnia. Unlike traditional tea, most tisanes do not contain caffeine and have longer steep times, making them more forgiving to brew. Tisanes are a great introduction to the world of tea drinking and brewing.
Brewing Tisanes: Ratios and Temperature
The brewing time and temperature for tisanes can vary depending on factors such as the specific ingredients, desired taste, and brewing method. Unlike traditional teas, tisanes can be steeped for as long as desired due to their high aromatic compounds and lower tannin levels. It’s more about achieving the desired strength of flavours from the fruit, herbs, or spices. As a general guideline, the recommended steeping temperature for tisanes is around 200℉, and the steeping time can range from 5 to 7 minutes. To make a flavourful cup, you can use 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of your favourite tisane blend for every 8 oz of water.
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The Perfect Tisane: Ingredients and Extraction Methods
Selecting Ingredients
Preparing a tisane involves infusing beneficial ingredients from various plants and spices, allowing for a delightful and convenient way to consume them. However, it’s important to approach tisane preparation with care and precision to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Unless you are knowledgeable about herbs, it is recommended to consult with an expert herbalist or purchase pre-packaged products.
Infusion Method
Infusion is a widely used process wherein a mixture of dried and triturated leaves, flowers, fruits, and herbaceous parts of officinal plants is immersed in boiling water for a specific duration. This method may also include the addition of spices to enhance the flavour and aroma. The resulting liquid is referred to as an infusion.
Gather the desired plant materials and ensure they are properly dried and triturated (crushed or ground) for optimal extraction.
Place the prepared plant materials in a cup or pot and pour boiling water over them. Allow the mixture to steep for a few minutes, keeping in mind that steeping times can vary depending on the plant being used.
After steeping, strain the infusion using a strainer or similar utensil to remove the plant materials. As you wait for the infusion to cool down to a drinkable temperature, it is advisable to cover your cup or pot with a lid or saucer to prevent the release and loss of precious active ingredients. Once the infusion has cooled sufficiently, it is ready to be enjoyed. Savour the flavours and experience the beneficial properties of the herbs and spices infused in the water.
Decoction Method
Decoctions are a method of extraction that specifically targets the harder parts of plants, such as roots, lignified stems, seeds, berries, or bark. These robust plant materials are simmered in water to draw out their beneficial properties.
Choose the specific plant part you wish to use (usually only one type of plant is used in a decoction). Cut or crush the plant parts to expose their inner surfaces, allowing for better extraction.
Place the prepared plant parts into a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture simmer for the required duration, typically ranging from 2 to 15 minutes. After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let the decoction settle for about 10-15 minutes. Cover the pot with a lid to retain any volatile components. Once settled, strain the liquid using a strainer to remove the plant materials.
Your decoction is now ready to be consumed! You can drink it as is or add a natural sweetener if desired. Honey, in particular, is a recommended sweetener as it not only enhances flavours but also possesses its own healthful properties. It is a preferred alternative to white sugar, as it delicately complements the taste without overpowering it.
With these steps, you can unleash the essence locked within the hardy parts of plants and savour the unique benefits offered by decoctions.
Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures
The world of tisanes is vast and vibrant, offering a boundless exploration of flavours and potential health benefits. The journey of preparing tisanes is as much an art as it is a science, rooted in ancient traditions and practices across the globe.
Here at Motley Brew, we understand the power of these herbal infusions. We blend these timeless herbal traditions with a touch of innovation. Whether you are seeking a moment of calm with a delicate flower tea, or a burst of energy with a spice-infused tea, herbal teas are here to help you discover your perfect cup.
Explore our selection of classic favourites like chamomile, rhododendron and rosella and venture into our wellness ranges brimming with traditional herbs.
