Steeping Herbal Infusions
The difference between a quick-dipped tea bag and a proper infusion is patience and plant mass. You are looking to saturate the fibers completely, turning the water into a concentrated expression of the herb.
Use enough plant material
People often use too little herb, resulting in thin, watery infusions. Use a generous hand when measuring your dry botanicals.
- Glass jar or ceramic teapot
- Fine mesh strainer
- Kettle
What goes in.
- 2 tbspdried peppermint leaves
- 16 ozfiltered water, just off the boil
Keep it covered
Always place a lid or small plate over your vessel while it steeps. This prevents the volatile oils from escaping with the steam.
The method.
Heat the water
Bring filtered water to a boil, then remove it from the heat for 30 seconds to let it settle to just below boiling.
Add the herbs
Place your dried or fresh herbs into your teapot or heat-proof jar.
Pour and cover
Pour the hot water directly over the herbs and immediately cover the vessel.
Wait
Let the infusion sit undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes. The color should darken significantly as the water absorbs the plant properties.
Strain
Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove all solid plant bits before pouring into mugs.
Other turns to take.
Cold Infusion
Combine herbs and room-temperature water in a glass jar. Place it in the refrigerator for 8 hours. This method draws out different notes, usually resulting in a smoother, less astringent drink.
Root Infusions
For tough roots like ginger or dandelion, you must simmer them on the stove for 10 minutes rather than just pouring hot water over them.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If using fresh herbs from the garden, double the volume requested for dried herbs.
If your infusion tastes bitter, you have likely left the herbs in the water too long; taste at 8 minutes next time.
Store dried herbs in a dark, airtight container to keep them from losing their potency.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I reuse the herbs?
No. Once you have steeped them, the essential oils are spent. Compost them.
Why does my infusion look cloudy?
Cloudiness is normal and often a sign of a strong, well-extracted infusion.
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