How to make your own herbal tea

Article & Photo By: Colleen Johnson

When the first frost in the fall threatens to destroy those lovely herbs you’ve been growing all summer, preserve the harvest by making your own tea.

Pick a combination of:

• Peppermint leaves
• Lemon verbena leaves
• Pineapple mint leaves
• Lemon balm

Pluck unblemished leaves from your favourite herb plants.  Wash the leaves thoroughly and gently pat dry.  Placing a large handful between two doubled over paper towels, microwave on high for two to three minutes, until the leaves are crisp.  Keep an eye on the paper towels while microwaving, and be sure to stop the process if brown spots appear on the towels.  Using the paper towel as a funnel, pour the dried herbs into an airtight container.  Store in a cool dark place.

To make the tea, use a generous tablespoon of dried leaves per cup; pour hot water over the leaves and allow to steep for five to ten minutes.  Sweeten with sugar or honey.