Traditional Dried Fruit Tea: A Warming Morning Beverage
Ingredients
- 4-5 dried figs
- 4-5 premium dates
- 4-5 prunes (dried plums)
- 500ml (2 cups) water
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Glass jar for storage
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- Prepare the Dried Fruits
- Thoroughly rinse all dried fruits
- Cut the dates, figs, and prunes into small pieces
- Remove any stems or tough parts
- Cooking Process
- In a medium saucepan, bring 500ml of water to a boil
- Add the chopped dried fruits
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
- Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes
- Straining
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer
- Gently press fruits to extract maximum flavor
- Let cool slightly before serving
Pro Tips for Perfect Dried Fruit Tea
- Choose high-quality, preservative-free dried fruits
- Store dried fruits in an airtight container before use
- Cut fruits into similarly sized pieces for even cooking
- Don’t skip the straining step – it ensures a smooth beverage
- Consider using filtered water for the best taste
Variations and Substitutions
- Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick or star anise while simmering
- Extra warmth: Include a small piece of fresh ginger
- Different dried fruits: Try adding dried apricots or raisins
- Cold version: Chill and serve over ice in summer
- Natural sweetness: Add a teaspoon of honey if desired
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store prepared tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave when ready to serve
- Pre-cut fruits can be stored in an airtight container for quick preparation
- Freeze leftover tea in ice cube trays for iced tea variations
Nutritional Information
(Per 1 cup serving, approximate values)
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Natural Sugars: 18g
- Iron: 2% DV
- Potassium: 300mg