Spicy Turmeric Tea
Happy Wednesday everyone! I'm really excited to share a recipe with you that is perfect for this time of year.
A few months ago, I met up with Alexa, the amazing blogger behind Fooduzzi. We met at a local coffee shop called Big Dog Coffee in the Southside. She suggested that I get her favorite drink- a turmeric tonic. I've never had turmeric in a drink before, so I was definitely intrigued and followed her advice. I'm so glad that I did, because the tea was amazing and has been on my mind ever since!
I have been trying to come up with a recipe that is close to the original drink that I had, and I think this one comes pretty close. It's spicy and sweet and can be enjoyed hot or cold. I can't get enough of it, and I hope you enjoy it as well! Before I share the recipe, I wanted to give you a few facts about turmeric. This is a popular ingredient lately, and for good reason! There are tons of benefits of this plant, which I want to share:
- A compound in turmeric may help ward off heart attacks, delay diabetes, and fight cancer. The compound is called curcumin, and is what causes the beautiful yellow hue of turmeric.
- Since the plant has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps relieve joint pain. I might have to try this as a natural pain reliever after races rather than taking ibuprofen!
(source for these benefits come from Huffington Post)
- Curcumin has also been proven to boost brain function, and lower risk of brain diseases. There's a growth hormone in the brain that multiplies and increases the amount of neurons in the brain (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Some brain disorders like Alzheimer's and depression are linked to a decrease in BDNF, and curcumin can actually increase these levels.
(source - Authority Nutrition)
- Turmeric can also be used for a variety of ways in your beauty routine! I think I'm going to try out a few from this list - who doesn't want glowing skin!?
Pretty amazing, right? Now, let's get to the recipe!
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 lemongrass tea bag (I use this one)
ice (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine water, turmeric, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and honey (if desired).
Bring to a boil, turn down heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Turn off heat, add teabag and steep for 7 minutes.
Strain into a mug. If you prefer iced tea, fill a glass with ice and strain mixture over ice.
Enjoy!
Have you tried turmeric before?
What's your favorite coffee shop?
What are some of your natural beauty hacks?
A few months ago, I met up with Alexa, the amazing blogger behind Fooduzzi. We met at a local coffee shop called Big Dog Coffee in the Southside. She suggested that I get her favorite drink- a turmeric tonic. I've never had turmeric in a drink before, so I was definitely intrigued and followed her advice. I'm so glad that I did, because the tea was amazing and has been on my mind ever since!
I have been trying to come up with a recipe that is close to the original drink that I had, and I think this one comes pretty close. It's spicy and sweet and can be enjoyed hot or cold. I can't get enough of it, and I hope you enjoy it as well! Before I share the recipe, I wanted to give you a few facts about turmeric. This is a popular ingredient lately, and for good reason! There are tons of benefits of this plant, which I want to share:
Health benefits of Turmeric:
- Turmeric (and ginger) can tame heartburn and an upset stomach. This is caused by the plant's ability to fight inflammation. I love to drink this at night if I have an upset stomach, and it helps me sleep much better!- A compound in turmeric may help ward off heart attacks, delay diabetes, and fight cancer. The compound is called curcumin, and is what causes the beautiful yellow hue of turmeric.
- Since the plant has anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps relieve joint pain. I might have to try this as a natural pain reliever after races rather than taking ibuprofen!
(source for these benefits come from Huffington Post)
- Curcumin has also been proven to boost brain function, and lower risk of brain diseases. There's a growth hormone in the brain that multiplies and increases the amount of neurons in the brain (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Some brain disorders like Alzheimer's and depression are linked to a decrease in BDNF, and curcumin can actually increase these levels.
(source - Authority Nutrition)
- Turmeric can also be used for a variety of ways in your beauty routine! I think I'm going to try out a few from this list - who doesn't want glowing skin!?
Pretty amazing, right? Now, let's get to the recipe!
Spicy Turmeric Tea
inspired by Big Dog Coffee
2 cups water1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 inch ginger, peeled and grated
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 lemongrass tea bag (I use this one)
ice (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine water, turmeric, ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and honey (if desired).
Bring to a boil, turn down heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Turn off heat, add teabag and steep for 7 minutes.
Strain into a mug. If you prefer iced tea, fill a glass with ice and strain mixture over ice.
Enjoy!
Have you tried turmeric before?
What's your favorite coffee shop?
What are some of your natural beauty hacks?
I've never tried turmeric in my tea but this sounds delicious! I love citrusy green teas so I definitely think I would like this- thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have tumeric but I have never used it... crazy, right? I have always been nervous to use it since I wasn't sure how it would taste but since I love tea I think I'll have to give this recipe a try to see how I like tumeric!
ReplyDeleteGirl get on it! Haha it's a fantastic spice :)
DeleteTurmeric is in mustard and Indian food and I love both! I've never had turmeric tea before, but I've heard of it! My favourite coffee shop is a local one called "Clicks" and they have the best americanos and the best cranberry orange muffins but they are SO SLOW in there. Callum usually ends up behind the counter or doing the gingerbread man in my arms, screaming.
ReplyDeletehaha what is a gingerbread man!?
DeleteI am obsessed with turmeric! I make a similar drink but add coconut milk instead of a tea bag. I love your lighter version :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds SO good!
DeleteI adore tumeric in curries and other savory foods, but I've never tried it in tea! My favorite coffee shop is Caffe Ladro, they have some of the best coffee in Seattle and are fair trade.
ReplyDeleteIf that's the best place in Seattle, I have to try it haha!
DeleteI've never cooked/made anything with tumeric! This sounds really good though. I have 2 favorite coffee shops where I live, Jitterz and Charlotte's! I don't know what it is about coffee shops recently, but all I want to do is hang out in one and read haha.
ReplyDeleteLove the name Jitterz for a coffee shop! So cute and accurate
Deletei had no idea turmeric had so many benefits. or that it could be used so many ways. in beauty?! woah.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked too!
DeleteTurmeric in tea! I'm intrigued. I use turmeric pretty frequently but mainly for color (to make a tofu scramble look like eggs, for example.)
ReplyDeleteGive it a try!
DeleteThanks for the recipe - I'll definitely be trying it!
ReplyDeleteTumeric is a great health and beauty staple, that's for sure :) x
The Belle Narrative
Yay! Let me know what you think :)
DeleteI really need to try this. I loveee tumeric and I love ginger and cinnamon so this actually sounds really good!
ReplyDeleteThis is right up your alley then!
DeleteI've been researching healthy ways to detox lately and turmeric keeps popping up!! I definitely need to get back on a healthier track especially on the liquids I drink!! I will definitely try this! =) thank you!
ReplyDeleteMelanie | Blog: Toots + Dill
Awesome! Hope you like it Melanie!
DeleteMy grandma used to put turmeric mixed with a tiny bit of water (to make a paste) on our mosquito bite scars, telling us it will help them go away. I don't think it worked, but I always think of her when I see turmeric :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOU. I cannot wait to try this...only reason I haven't yet is because of my lack of fresh ginger and lemongrass tea! I have dried ginger, but I want to try your version before I give that avenue a try! Seriously, girl. You're my favorite.
ReplyDelete