Recipe: Soothing and Relaxing Green Tea

SOOTHING AND RELAXING GREEN TEA

2 tablespoons (8 grams) medium-size loose-leaf green tea or 4 green tea bags
2 teaspoons lemon zest
5 slices peeled fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
4 cups boiling water
sugar or honey to taste (optional

Put the tea leaves or tea bags into a pre-warmed large teapot and set aside.

Place the lemon zest and ginger in a 4-cup heatproof measuring cup and add the boiling water. Using the back of a spoon, press the pieces of ginger against the side of the measuring cup to release their juice, then let them infuse for 2 minutes.

Quickly pour the infusion into the teapot, straining carefully to prevent the spices from going into the teapot. Steep the tea in the spice infusion for an additional 2 minutes.

Add a touch of sugar or honey if desired. Strain the brewed tea into teacups and serve immediately.

Serves 2 to 4
Source: Green Tea by Mary Lou Heiss