Lemongrass, Apple and Carrot Cooler; and Roselle and Apple Tea

Why people make these teas

Nourilo prefers home-brewed teas over shop drinks, which often carry preservatives, colourings, other additives and far too much sugar. These two natural summer coolers use mostly fresh fruit and vegetables, no chemical additives, and only a sensible amount of sugar. Lemongrass is fragrant and warming, traditionally used to relieve summer heat, dispel wind and ease stagnation, and is associated with easing colds, fullness, headache and stomach upset; with apple and carrot it helps refresh you and support digestion. Roselle is cooling and sweet-tart, traditionally taken to support the complexion, healthy blood lipids and the liver; with apple its chill is softened and its beauty-supporting quality enhanced.

Method

1. Lemongrass-apple-carrot cooler: slice the lemongrass, apple and carrot. Add water and simmer about 20 minutes; strain and serve (warm or chilled). Honey may be added to taste.
2. Roselle-apple tea: rinse the roselle, slice the apple, add water and simmer about 20 minutes; strain and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Both teas need only about 20 minutes of simmering. Lemongrass (xiang mao) is best used fresh for a better flavour. You can also simply slice fresh lemongrass and steep it as a tea, with a little honey to taste, to help dispel wind and ease stomach gas.