Can I paint my walls turmeric?
I am enchanted by the colour;
golden like the leaves falling outside,
bright like the sun and glowing as the moon.
This time of year I find myself craving warm drinks, sometimes just to hold a warm mug. I often turn to herbal teas in the evening to remind myself to slow down. Now I am obsessed with the taste and health benefits of turmeric tea, a vibrant yellow-orange spice. The taste of this tea is similar to chai, my recipe uses almond milk, but use any milk you like. The spicy blend of cinnamon and black pepper is warm and ever so subtle when mixed with the earthy flavour of turmeric.
To me this is the perfect bed-time time treat. So put on your slippers, simmer a pot of this tea and let the flavours merry to create a beautiful healthful drink that is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, packed with antioxidants. I love the taste and the beautiful golden hues of yellow and orange.
This is the power of turmeric tea...
Turmeric – anti-inflammatory, improved brain function, reduce depression
Cinnamon – anti-inflammatory, balances blood sugar, fight bacterial & fungal infections
Ginger – anti-inflammatory, balances blood sugar, anti-inflammatory
Nutmeg – digestive support, improved sleep
Celtic Sea Salt – alkalizing, improve brain function, normalize blood pressure
Black pepper – improves absorption of Turmeric, improves cognition, antibacterial
Turmeric Tea with Almond Milk
Why add Black Pepper? It is beneficial to use black pepper with turmeric because it helps the body absorb the turmeric.
This recipe makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk, (or any milk you like)
1 cup of water
1 or 2 cinnamon sticks or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or more to taste, I like lots)
1 - 2inch piece turmeric, unpeeled, thinly sliced, or 1tsp dried turmeric
1 - 1 inch piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced or 1 tsp dried ginger
fresh nutmeg, about 1/4 tsp freshly grated, or 1/4 tsp dried
1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or 1 packet of stevia, (or more to taste)
6 whole black peppercorns
More ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan add milk, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, honey, peppercorns and 1 cup of water, bring to a low boil.
2. Turn down the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. The longer you simmer the tea, the stronger and more intense the tea becomes.
3. Strain and pour into 2 mugs.
4. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Variations:
Add 2-3 whole cardamom pods while boiling
Add 1 tbsp coconut oil
Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract
To chase away your chocolate craving try adding a tsp of cocoa powder.
Cooks Notes:
You can double the recipe and store in the fridge, gently warm before serving.
I like to use fresh turmeric, but don't worry if you can't find it at the store, substitute with dried.
You can also use a combination of fresh and dried.
If you like your drink a bit sweeter, just add more sweetener to taste.
Turmeric stains like crazy — from clothing to countertops — so be careful!