Learn how to make bee balm tea with fresh blooms and leaves. This fresh tea is a wonderful way to use the beautiful bee balm growing in your garden! Besides, being caffeine-free this tea is simply delicious!
Welcome to the delightful world of bee balm tea! If you have beautiful bee balm growing in your garden, you’re in for a treat. This herbal tea is not only caffeine-free but also packed with flavor and potential health benefits. Whether you’re new to herbal teas or a seasoned enthusiast, making bee balm tea is an easy and enjoyable process. So, grab your garden shears, and let’s get started on this aromatic adventure!
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What is Bee Balm?
Bee balm, also known as Monarda or wild bergamot, is a vibrant and aromatic herb that blooms in gardens during the warm months. With its eye-catching, tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. Bee balm not only attracts pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds but also brings a splash of color to any garden. Its leaves and flowers boast a delightful, slightly minty fragrance that has been cherished for generations both for its beauty and its utility in traditional herbal remedies.
Ingredients in Bee Balm Tea
- Fresh Bee Balm Flowers and Leaves
- Water
- Honey
How to Make Bee Balm Tea
Making bee balm tea is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you brew a delightful cup of this refreshing herbal tea.
Harvesting: Start by collecting a handful of fresh bee balm flowers and leaves from your garden. Make sure to pick flowers that are fully bloomed and leaves that are vibrant and healthy. Give them a gentle rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or insects.
Preparing the Water: Pour about 2 cups of water into a kettle or pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
Brewing: Tear or chop the rinsed bee balm flowers and leaves into smaller pieces to help release their flavors. Place the pieces into a teapot or a heatproof container.
Steeping: Once the water has come to a boil, carefully pour it over the bee balm leaves and flowers in the teapot. Cover the container and let it steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
Straining: After steeping, use a fine mesh strainer to pour the tea into a mug, separating the liquid from the plant material.
Sweetening: If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey to your tea and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Taste and add more honey if desired.
Enjoy: Your fresh bee balm tea is now ready to be enjoyed! Sip and savor the aromatic flavors, and feel free to experiment by adding a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for an extra twist.
Making bee balm tea is not only a great way to use the beautiful blooms from your garden but also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a caffeine-free, homemade beverage that’s both delicious and healthful. Cheers to your new favorite herbal tea!
Iced Bee Balm Tea Recipe
To make iced bee balm tea, follow the instructions above. After straining your tea, refrigerate until completely cool. Serve over ice. Enjoy! (PRO TIP: make tea ice cubes to keep your tea from tasting watered-down!)
Recipe Notes and Tips
- I used fresh bee balm from my garden but you can purchase bee balm tea online.
- Use quality, pure, filtered water to brew your tea
- If you’re looking for a stronger cup of tea simply add more bee balm.
- Try adding different herbs, fruit, or other teas for customization options.
- For dietary adjustments, try using different sweeteners such as honey, coconut sugar, or stevia.
FAQ about Bee Balm Tea
Yes, dried bee balm can be used to make tea. Typically, you would use about one teaspoon of dried bee balm for every 1 cup of water.
Bee balm tea has a unique taste. Some think it tastes slightly minty with a hint of citrus and spice. I think it most resembles the taste of oregano tea. The taste can vary a bit depending on the specific variety of bee balm used.
Fresh bee balm tea should be consumed within 24 hours if refrigerated. If you dry the bee balm leaves and flowers, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor and potency.
Absolutely! Many enjoy adding honey, sugar, or a hint of lemon to enhance the natural flavors of bee balm tea.
More Herbal Tea Recipes
I’d love to hear if you tried this recipe! Leave a comment below.
How to Make Bee Balm Tea (with Fresh Blooms)
Equipment
- Teapot
- Electric Kettle
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Bee Balm Flowers and Leaves
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
Instructions
- Start by collecting a handful of fresh bee balm flowers and leaves from your garden. Make sure to pick flowers that are fully bloomed and leaves that are vibrant and healthy. Give them a gentle rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or insects.
- Pour about 2 cups of water into a kettle or pot and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Tear or chop the rinsed bee balm flowers and leaves into smaller pieces to help release their flavors. Place the pieces into a teapot or a heatproof container.
- Once the water has come to a boil, carefully pour it over the bee balm leaves and flowers in the teapot. Cover the container and let it steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
- After steeping, use a fine mesh strainer to pour the tea into a mug, separating the liquid from the plant material.
- If you enjoy a touch of sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey to your tea and stir until it’s fully dissolved. Taste and add more honey if desired.
Notes
- I used fresh bee balm from my garden but you can purchase bee balm tea online.
- Use quality, pure, filtered water to brew your tea
- If you’re looking for a stronger cup of tea simply add more bee balm.
- Try adding different herbs, fruit, or other teas for customization options.
- For dietary adjustments, try using different sweeteners such as honey, coconut sugar, or stevia.
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
Ohh, looks delicious! Can’t wait to try!