In Romania, we drink a lot of tea. Not black tea, but mostly fruity or, when we are sick, medicinal teas made from different herbs and flowers. Linden tea is mostly used for relaxation, and it’s a great aid for a good night’s sleep. It is said that the linden flowers are a great antioxidant and the tea made from them is fantastic for reducing stress and treating insomnia.
Spending all summers with my grandma, I remember the giant Linden tree behind our house. It was at least 10 meters tall, spreading its sweet aroma throughout July when the flowers were in full bloom.
This year I noticed a linden tree in the car park of my gym. As soon as the flowers bloomed, I picked enough to make a tea jar. I brought them home and now, two weeks later, I’m enjoying my first cup of homemade linden tea.
Ingredients for the Romanian Linden Tea
This is an all-natural tea, so all you need for this recipe are linden flowers. You can pick them from any tree. Make sure to wash them and let them dry completely, before placing them on the tray, to dry. Water drops can lead to mould, which will ruin the entire batch.
How to Make Romanian Linden Tea
The only thing you have to do to make this tea is dry the linden flowers. I dried mine inside the oven, over 7 days. Just remember to take them out if you are using the oven! Once the flowers are completely dried, store them in an air-tight container and use around 4 flowers + leaves per cup. The colour of the tea is very light yellow – almost greenish. This is because this is an all-natural tea, and doesn’t have any colourants, such as the store-bought one.
Homemade Linden Tea
Ingredients
- Linden flowers
Instructions
- Spread the flowers on a large tray.
- Let them dry in a cool and dark place for 7-10 days.
- Once dried, store them in an airtight container.
- Use 3-4 flowers with leaves per cup of tea.
- Infuse for 5-7 minutes.
FAQ:
What are the benefits of linden tea?
Linden tea is known for its relaxing properties. It helps reduce stress, treat insomnia, and is a great aid for a good night’s sleep. Linden flowers are also rich in antioxidants.
Can I pick linden flowers from any tree?
Yes, you can pick linden flowers from any tree. However, ensure that the trees are not exposed to pollution or pesticides. Always wash the flowers thoroughly before drying them to remove any potential contaminants.
What does linden tea taste like?
Linden tea has a light, slightly sweet flavour with floral notes. The colour of the tea is very light yellow, almost greenish, due to the natural properties of the linden flowers without any added colourants.
Can I add sweeteners or other flavours to linden tea?
Yes, you can add honey, lemon, or other natural sweeteners to enhance the flavour of linden tea. However, it is delightful on its own due to its mild and pleasant taste.
How long can I store dried linden flowers?
If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, dried linden flowers can retain their potency for up to a year. Always check for any signs of mould or loss of aroma before use.
For more traditional Romanian drinks check out my recommendations below:
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