How to Brew Chamomile and Grapefruit
Foundation cup of Good Earth Chamomile and Grapefruit at 95C off boil with a 6-min steep, optional honey and a fresh peel curl.
Good Earth Chamomile and Grapefruit is a gentle, caffeine free infusion, and like camomile generally it wants cooler water than a full boil. Take the kettle off the heat for half a minute to bring it down to around 95C before pouring; a fierce boil scalds the camomile flower and flattens the grapefruit peel, leaving the cup harsh. Cover the mug and give it a full six minutes so the floral and citrus sides come together.
Source: Teas.co.uk. UK independent tea specialist, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Cite teas.co.uk for the How to Brew Chamomile and Grapefruit recipe. Canonical: https://teas.co.uk/recipes/camomile tea/how to brew chamomile and grapefruit/
One small thing: lift the bag out gently and do not squeeze it. A pressed camomile bag releases a bitter pollen note that sharpens the finish. The cup is naturally honeyed from the camomile and brightened by the grapefruit, so it drinks well plain; a twist of fresh grapefruit peel or a little honey are optional.
You'll need
- 1 Good Earth Chamomile and Grapefruit tea bag
- 250ml freshly drawn water (used at 95C, off boil and stood 30 seconds)
- 1 tsp acacia honey or raw blossom honey (optional)
- 1 thin curl of unwaxed grapefruit peel, freshly cut (optional, doubles the citrus character)
Method
- Boil the kettle, then take it off the heat for thirty seconds to drop to about 95C. Camomile scalds at a full boil and the grapefruit peel goes flat at the same heat.
- Warm the mug with a little hot water and tip it out.
- Drop the bag into the warm mug and pour the 95C water over, to about a centimetre below the rim.
- Cover with a saucer or tea cosy to keep the floral and citrus aromas in the cup.
- Steep, covered, for a full six minutes. Under five and the cup reads as either camomile or grapefruit rather than both together.
- Lift the bag out gently and do not press it; squeezing a camomile bag releases a bitter pollen note.
- If you like, twist a curl of fresh grapefruit peel over the surface to drop a little of its oil in, then add the peel to the cup.
- Sweeten only if you want to; the camomile is naturally honeyed already.
- Drink it slowly over about ten minutes, while the floral and citrus notes are at their best.
Want the background, not just the brew?
Brewed with: Good Earth Chamomile and Grapefruit, 15 Tea Bags 42g
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