Un-Sweet Tea

Have you ever had Un-Sweet Tea? If your answer is no then you should definitely try it. Un-Sweet Tea has a crisp and refreshing flavor without the extra sweetness. I love it. It makes me feel cool in the warmer months. It is known to replenish our body's fluid levels. I think this is the second best beverage we can drink next to water. Unlike Sweet Tea, whose biggest disadvantage is the sugar content in it, Un-Sweet Tea essentially prevents the extra calories and sugar thus not leading to issues related to sugar. However, if you are a person who wouldn’t drink a beverage unless it is sweet, don’t worry you are not alone. Just add some Splenda or Truvia and there you go, Sweet Tea!

It is very easy to brew Un-Sweet Tea at home. Not only it's cost efficient and healthy but also we can add different flavors in it. The recipe, which I’m going to share, is a Mint-Lemon Un-Sweet Tea. This recipe has three unique things, which make it so special. The Tea leafs are loaded with essential nutrients and compounds like Manganese, Fluoride and Flavonoids. Mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food. It is also good for digestion and is a palate cleanser.  The citric acid and vitamin C in the squeeze of Lemon helps preserve the flavonoids of Tea. By combining all the goodness of Tea, Mint and Lemon we get a delicious, refreshing summer drink chilled over ice, as well as a relaxing winter drink when served hot.

I have had Un-Sweet Tea many times in India. There it is commonly known as Iced Tea. Since we have long summers in India, people drink different types of juices and fluids to keep them cool. Tea has a deep connection with the Indian culture. Un-Sweet Tea is therefore found at most restaurants, hotels and malls. When I came to the states I was delighted to find my favorite drink in the menus of the restaurants. I later discovered that Un-Sweet Tea is a common drink in the southern states of the U.S. 

Now, let’s talk about the ingredients in this beverage. I found that Mint is used in American and Italian cooking for making pesto, spaghetti and smoothies. In Indian cooking Mint is usually used in chutneys, lassi and garnishes. Fresh Mint can elevate even the humble vegetables to a gourmet level.  It has a zesty freshness, which adds to the taste of salads. The other main ingredient, Lemon is used in a variety of ways and like mint can be easily found. Its juice, rind, and zests are used in a wide variety of cuisine foods and drinks. Lemon juice is used to make lemonade, soft drinks, and cocktails. It is also used in the marinades for fish and meat. Lemons bring their own tangy flavor and bright aroma, while actually enhancing other flavors. Its acidity cuts greasiness and heaviness and gives food a refreshing, clean taste.

So you see the recipe uses simple ingredients, which are easily available in all the grocery shops. Personally I feel really happy when I don't have to go to multiple shops for grocery shopping. Also because of their wide uses, Mint and Lemon can easily be incorporated into other dishes. Hence they are great ingredients to have in your fridge all the time. So let's start brewing!! 

Cheers!!

Ingredients:

• Tea - 3 tablespoons or 6 Tea Bags
• Fresh Mint leaves - 3 for each glass
• 1 big Lemon (cut in thin slices)

Directions:

• Bring 8 cups of Water to a boil.  
• Remove from the heat and add 3 tablespoons of loose Tea or 6 Tea Bags. (Tip: I use the Coffee Machine to warm up water. I put the Tea in the pot and empty the used coffee filter before starting. ) 
• Let it steep for about 10-12 minutes (or until it's the strength you like) 
• Strain loose Tea with a fine-mesh sieve (or Strainer) or remove the Tea Bags. 
• Let it cool, then transfer to a pitcher, cover it and refrigerate. 
• Before serving, crush a piece of ice with the Mint leaves (I usually use the Mortar Pestle for this, you can also use the Cocktail Shaker), squeeze or put the Lemon slice in a tall glass with the Mint and lots of ice. 
• Pour Tea on it and serve immediately.

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