Hot or iced, this tea is a lovely and healthy drink, homemade with beautiful fresh garden sage.
A culinary herb I never really used before growing food in the backyard is the common sage (not to confuse it with other ornamental or psychoactive salvia varieties). The plant is a perennial from the same family as mint and can be used to flavour dishes and infused in tea. The herb flavour combines perfectly with honey and lemon, which also contains many healing properties. If you feel sick, these three ingredients blend together to make a perfect hydrating lifting cocktail and natural remedy. Sage is ready to pick and at its best in the garden when spring warms up. If you prefer a cold, refreshing drink at this time of year, try it as iced tea! When the plant starts to flower, that’s ok; it will make a beautiful show, and bees will love it. Leaves can still be picked as needed until winter, when the plant goes dormant. Sage is also a great companion for the garden as it not only attracts beneficial insects but also repeals pests. With all these good virtues, including its use in cooking for its unique aroma, garden sage is a must-have!
Common sage, an ornamental and culinary herb • Photos © Bottle and Brush Studio 2019
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS (for about 1 litre of tea):
2 large fresh sprigs of sage
Juice of ½ lemon (use the other half cut in slices if making an iced tea)
1 tbsp honey (local and organic preferably)
1 litre of boiled water
Ice cubes (if iced tea)
PREPARATION: Place sage in a large jug or teapot and cover with hot water.
Add honey and lemon juice, stir well, and let it infuse for about 15 minutes.
Remove the sage and serve hot or let it cool down if to make an iced tea.
Add lemon slices and ice cubes if so desired.
It can be stored in the fridge for a day or two.
