How to Make Stem Tea : Recipe, Benefits & Variations

Tea lovers worldwide are constantly looking for new ways to enjoy their favorite drink, and one of the latest trends taking over is stem tea. Whether you’re an avid tea drinker or someone just beginning to explore the diverse world of herbal teas, stem tea recipe offers something unique and tons of benefits to your health. 

What Is Stem Tea?

Stem tea is exactly what it sounds like “a tea made from the stems of plants”. These stems are often leftover from fruits, herbs, or even cannabis plants. While they may seem not good at first, many stems actually hold flavor compounds, antioxidants, and nutrients that are perfect for brewing. Stem tea can be made from various types of plant stems, including cherry, cannabis, or even fruit stems, creating a wide variety of flavor profiles and health benefits.

Stem Tea Ingredients

Before moving into how to make stem tea, let’s first take a look at what goes into this brew. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dried plant stems (cherry, cannabis, or any other type you prefer)
• Water (fresh, filtered is best)
• Optional sweeteners ( like honey, sugar, or any natural sweetener you have)
• Optional flavor add-ins (lemon, mint, ginger, etc.)

Depending on the type of stem you choose, the flavor can range from earthy to slightly fruity or herbal. Each variation has its unique charm, so you can experiment with different combinations.

Also Read – Matcha Tea Recipe

What Are the Equipment Required To Make Stem Tea?

For this easy stem tea recipe, you don’t need any special gadgets, just a few kitchen basics.

• A kettle or pot for boiling water
• A fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
• A cup or mug
• A spoon to stir in any sweeteners or add-ins

Stem Tea Recipe – In 7 Easy Steps

Making stem tea is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to follow for the best results. Here are simple steps:

1. Boil water in a kettle or pot.
2. Add the dried stems to your cup or teapot (about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of water).
3. Pour the hot water over the stems.
4. Let the tea simmer in the hot water for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
5. Strain the tea using a mesh strainer or remove the stems if you used a tea infuser.
6. Add sweeteners or additional flavors if desired, such as honey or lemon.
7. Stir and enjoy your freshly brewed stem tea!

Also Read – Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Stem Tea vs Green Tea

When comparing stem tea to the ever-popular green tea, there are a few notable differences. While both teas are celebrated for their health benefits, their ingredients and flavor profiles set them apart.

• Ingredients: Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, while stem tea uses plant stems like cherry or cannabis. Stems contain different nutrients and antioxidants than leaves, which can result in varying health benefits.
• Flavor: Green tea has a more vegetal, sometimes grassy flavor, whereas stem tea offers earthier, sometimes fruitier or more herbal notes, depending on the plant used.
• Health benefits: Both teas offer antioxidants and promote wellness, but stem tea has unique compounds derived from plant stems, which may provide different or complementary benefits to green tea.

Benefits of Stem Tea

Stem tea isn’t just a tasty brew; it’s packed with benefits. Here are some of the top reasons to add this tea to your routine:

• Rich in antioxidants: Relax the body by Helping fight with oxidative stress in the body.
• Supports digestion: Certain plant stems may soothe digestive discomfort.
• Zero-waste and sustainable: Reduces waste by utilizing the often-discarded stems.
• May aid in relaxation: Especially in the case of cannabis stem tea, it can have calming effects.
• Hydrating and soothing: Like all teas, stem tea hydrates and soothes the body.

Also Read – Red Tea Shot Recipe

Variations of Stem Tea

There are many creative and delicious variations of stem tea that you can try. Here are a few popular ones:

1. Cherry Stem Tea: Made from dried cherry stems, this tea has a subtle fruity flavor. It’s known for its potential to support kidney health and reduce inflammation.
2. Cannabis Stem Tea: Made from the stems of cannabis plants, this tea is said to have relaxing effects and may offer relief from stress or anxiety without the high, as stems usually have lower THC content.
3. Apple Stem Tea: A sweeter option made from the stems of apples, often combined with cinnamon for a comforting drink.
4. Grape Stem Tea: This lesser-known variety uses grape stems, which are rich in antioxidants and offer a light, fruity flavor.
5. Lemon Stem Tea: For a citrusy kick, lemon stems can be dried and steeped to create a refreshing and tangy brew.

FAQs

1. How many calories are in stem tea?
Stem tea is generally very low in calories, typically under 5 calories per cup, unless you add sweeteners or other high-calorie ingredients.

2. Is it safe to drink stem tea on an empty stomach?
Yes, in most cases, stem tea is safe to drink on an empty stomach. However, if you have sensitive digestion, it’s best to consume with food or after meals.

3. Can I drink stem tea every day?
Yes, you can enjoy stem tea daily, especially if it is a non-caffeinated version. Just be mindful of any specific plant properties and consult a doctor if you have any health conditions.

4. Is stem tea healthy?
Absolutely! Stem tea offers a variety of health benefits depending on the type of stem used. It’s typically low in calories, hydrating, and rich in antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your diet.