Hot Water Infusion Directions
- Bring water to a boil in a teapot or pot.
- While the water is heating, crush herbs in your hand or with a mortar and pestle to help weaken the plant’s cell walls. Place herbs in a mug, heat-safe glass jar, French press, or teapot.
- Pour hot water (wait until it stops boiling) over the herbs.
- Cover the vessel to prevent the herb’s volatile oils from escaping with the steam.
- Steep for 5-20 minutes (and up to 8 hours for a long-steeped infusion, sometimes called a nourishing infusion or super infusion). Steeping time can vary depending on the herb and other factors such as desired flavor and desired strength of the extract. Note: Some highly aromatic herbs like chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and lavender (Lavandula spp.) will only need to be steeped for a few minutes so that important volatile compounds are captured and to prevent the tea from becoming bitter.
- Filter, after steeping, using a tea strainer and a heat-safe vessel. Press down on the herbs with a spoon to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. If using a French press, just press and pour into your mug!
- Consume immediately, or within 24 hours after straining if refrigerated.
Solar Infusion Directions
Solar infusions employ heat from the sun to gently extract plant compounds. This will provide milder results, but there is something quite special about drinking sun-infused tea!
- Crush herbs in your hand or with a mortar and pestle. Place herbs and water in a glass jar, and cover tightly.
- Place in a sunny spot for an hour or more (up to 8 hours).
- Strain as directed above.
- Consume immediately, or within 24 hours after straining if refrigerated.