If you want a calming herbal drink to sip while the weather turns, nettle tea with lemon is a good place to start. Simmer 1 liter of water, add a large handful of fresh nettle tops (or 1/2 handful dried) and 1/2 sliced lemon, take it off the heat, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in a little honey if you like. It is a green, earthy cup that turns cozy with the lemon, and it is lovely served warm on a cool fall evening.
Ingredients
- 1 large handful fresh nettle tops (or 1/2 handful dried nettles)
- 1 liter water
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- Runny honey, optional
Method
- Wear gloves when handling fresh nettles. Bring the water to a simmer.
- Add nettles and lemon slices, remove from the heat, and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain into cups and add a little honey if desired.
The source lists two servings, so the tea is easy to share with a friend. Fresh nettle tops sting until they hit hot water, which is why the gloves matter. Dried nettle from a tea shop skips that step and is just as easy.
Make It Your Own
A longer steep gives a deeper, greener cup, and a shorter one stays lighter. Honey softens the earthy edge. If you like more lemon, slice a little extra into the pot.
For other herbal cups to rotate through, try these loose leaf tea blends , or a chilled cold brew tea blend when the weather warms up again. A drizzle of honey pairs well with the lemon.
Plain crackers and mild cheese would make a savory pairing with nettle tea.
