The past few days haven’t really felt “summery” in a sense between the rain and cool temperatures. However, that doesn’t mean that the summer season isn’t upon us! And my family’s garden is in full swing – especially our plot of mint tea! You may or may not be familiar with Meadow Mint Tea – it’s something I have grown up on, especially living only 15 minutes away from Lancaster County. You can find it for sale at various Amish and Mennonite roadside stands in the area (and even some brands in the grocery store), but I have always had mine homemade, right at home. It is super simple to make (aside of the need for a bunch of mint haha!) – so, if you need to use up some garden mint this is definitely a recipe for you. And, if you don’t grow mint or have any readily available, maybe this will inspire you to grow a patch of your own! 🙂 We traditionally brew our tea unsweetened (it is actually fairly sweet for having no added sugar), but feel free to add sugar if you please! Enjoy warm or iced (the warm tea tasted great with the chilly temperatures today) – happy tea brewing! 🙂

Makes Approximately 6 Quarts (*Can Easily Reduce)

*Takes around 3.5 hours to brew and extra if served chilled.*

Recipe by © Alysha Melnyk 2018

Kitchen Tools:

Large Stovetop Pan and Lid

Stovetop

Liquid Measuring Cup

Dry Measuring Cup

Slotted Spoon

Fine Mesh Strainer

Storage Container(s) for Tea (*To Put in the Refrigerator)

Ingredients:

6 Quarts Water

6 Cups Packed Mint Leaves

*Optional for Sweetening: Honey, Cane Sugar, Agave Syrup, etc.

Featured Artists/Products:

Mug by Jeremy Ogusky, Creator of Ogusky Ceramics (based in Jamaica Plan, MA)

Instructions:

1. Heat water in pan to boiling.
2. While water is heating, cut mint leaves from stem (keep them whole if possible) and wash.
3. *Check leaves for dirt, bugs, etc. Don’t worry if the leaf isn’t *perfect* – it won’t matter in the end haha!
4. Once water is boiling, add 6 cups packed mint leaves (really pack them!) into the water and stir.
5. Cover with lid and remove pan from heat. Let steep for 3 hours.
6. After 3 hours have passed, remove mint leaves with a slotted spoon and pour tea through a fine mesh strainer and into your storage container(s).
7. *Bottom of the pan may have residual dirt/leaf parts – feel free to dump that.
8. Enjoy warm or place in the refrigerator to chill and serve with ice.
9. Add sweetener as preferred.
10. Enjoy! 🙂