Discover the vibrant world of Perilla tea, a captivating beverage steeped in over a thousand years of Chinese tradition. This isn't your average cuppa; Perilla frutescens, also known as shiso, boasts a unique, subtly peppery flavor profile and a stunning purplish-pink hue. For centuries, this aromatic leaf has been valued not only for its delicious taste but also for its potential health benefits, traditionally used to soothe digestive upset and support respiratory health. Beyond its historical significance, Perilla tea offers a refreshing twist on traditional herbal infusions, making it a perfect choice for both seasoned tea enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
Ready to brew your own batch of this ancient elixir? This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to making authentic Perilla tea, ensuring you capture the full essence of this remarkable plant. From selecting the freshest leaves to mastering the perfect brewing temperature, we'll walk you through the entire process, allowing you to experience the unique flavors and potential benefits of this time-honored beverage.
Tools Needed
- Wellness kettle or pot
- Teapot
Ingredients
- Perilla leaves (large): 10
- Salt
- Tempe: 5g
- Licorice slices: 2g
- Water: 1 liter (approx. 4 cups)
- Yellow rock sugar: 10g
- Lemon: 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Cleanse Perilla
- Soak 10 large perilla leaves in salted water for 6 minutes to clean.
Step 2. Simmer the Infusion
- Add the cleaned perilla leaves, 5g of tempeh, and 2g of licorice slices to a wellness kettle or pot.
- Pour in approximately 1 liter (4 cups) of water.
- Boil until the perilla leaves turn green.
- Add 10g of yellow rock sugar and simmer until the sugar fully melts and the leaves become soft.
Step 3. Brew and Cool
- Pour the tea into a teapot and let it cool.
Step 4. Add Lemon (Optional)
- Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the tea according to your taste preference.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- This tea is perfect for summer, super refreshing, and helps cool you down.
- The addition of lemon juice turns the tea a beautiful pink color.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I find Perilla leaves?
Perilla leaves can be found at Asian grocery stores, some specialty health food stores, or online retailers. Look for fresh leaves, ideally purplish-pink in color.
2. What are the health benefits of Perilla tea?
Traditionally, Perilla tea is believed to aid digestion, soothe coughs, and offer antioxidant benefits. However, these are traditional uses and further research is needed to confirm these effects scientifically.
3. Can I use dried Perilla leaves to make tea?
Yes, you can use dried Perilla leaves. However, the flavor might be slightly less intense than using fresh leaves. Adjust the brewing time accordingly – you might need to steep for longer.
So, there you have it – a simple yet rewarding journey into the world of Perilla tea. Enjoy the unique flavor and vibrant color of this ancient brew, and feel free to experiment with different brewing methods to find your perfect cup. May your next cup be as refreshing and historically significant as the last.