Mugwort tea is an awesome health supplement, but it has a flavor that can be a bit of a turn-off. Try these tasty tips to turn your next cup of mugwort tea into something truly spectacular!
Mugwort tea is an herbal catch-all that can bring goodness to almost everybody. The only issue is its flavor. Mugwort tea may not be the best flavor, but with these clever culinary hacks, you can make this tea into a treat!
What is Mugwort Tea?
Sometimes known by other names like Artemisia, mugwort tea by any name is classic. It is made from a blend of leaves from the Artemisia vulgaris plant. The plant this tea is cultivated from thrives in northern Europe and Asia.
The flavor of mugwort tea is usually described as bitter with a very slight sweetness. Many choose this tea for its relaxing characteristic. It is also said to help with digestion and other stomach issues.
This tea can be a challenge to find in stores. Your local grocery store may not carry mugwort tea, but a local health food store might. If all else fails, there are lots of mugwort teas available online!
How to Make Mugwort Tea
Just like other teas, mugwort tea just needs hot water. Here are a few tips to ensure that you end up with a perfectly balanced cup of tea:
- Heat the water to about 212°F.
- Steep about 1 teaspoon of mugwort leaves for every 8-10 ounces of water.
- Allow the tea to steep for at least 15 minutes before straining to enjoy.
How to Make Mugwort Tea Taste Good
So many people love to drink mugwort tea to calm down after a busy day, but its bitter flavor can leave them wanting. Try these awesome ideas to make mugwort tea taste better than ever before!
Heap on the Honey!
Tea and honey are a perfect match. Your average tea’s leafy and herbal flavors are just begging for a sweetener like honey. Honey has a wonderful flavor and complexity that makes it beautiful in brewed teas.
Choosing honey is kind of like choosing the tea itself. There are so many options available you can truly make this add-in your own. Remember, when choosing honey, that the flowers listed on the bottle tend to be present in the flavor profile; for example, clover honey has hints of a clover flavor to it. Orange blossom honey is an excellent and easy-to-find honey with hints of orange flavor.
Sweet Nothings!
Simple is often the best course, and simply adding sugar to your mugwort tea might be all it needs! Mugwort tea by itself can be a little bitter, so adding in some sugar is a great way to balance that flavor. Sugar is also commonly on-hand and inexpensive, making this a great fit for anyone in a hurry or on a budget.
Milk It!
Tea and milk are old friends! Dairy has long been added to teas to make them creamy and irresistible. While this trick is often reserved for bolder teas, it works wonderfully to balance the bitter flavor in mugwort tea.
After brewing your mugwort tea, try stirring in some whole milk. It will lighten your tea’s color and body making it nice and smooth. If you like a thicker mouthfeel, try adding half-and-half or heavy cream. If you live a dairy-free lifestyle, opt for an alternative milk. These options are excellent because they add a little sweetness in addition to creamy flavor.
Change the Temperature!
All teas should be brewed hot, but that doesn’t mean they have to be enjoyed hot. Try mixing up your mugwort routine by pouring it over ice. Icing the tea makes it nice for a hot summer day and gives you the feel of a whole new beverage without tons of effort.
Lean into Lemons!
Lemon and tea just go together. Virtually every tea in the world is made a little better by the addition of fresh lemon, and mugwort is no exception. Try garnishing your tea with a fresh lemon slice or squeezing in a little lemon juice. Other citrus fruits are also wonderful additions to enhance the flavor of mugwort tea.
F.A.Q
Is Mugwort Tea Safe?
Yes, there is nothing to be concerned about with this herbal tea; however, if you are prone to seasonal and outdoor allergies, you may want to be cautious with mugwort tea. The most common issues people have with this tea are allergic reactions. Mugwort is a member of the ragweed family, and it can upset people who are sensitive to this allergen.
Extreme cases of allergic reaction have been reported, so always err on the side of caution. If you know you are at an allergic reaction risk, keep an EpiPen nearby and only try a small amount of the tea at first. You can also try touching the leaves or smelling them before drinking them to see if there is anything immediate physical reaction before proceeding.
Additional Kitchen Resources
Enjoy your relaxing cup of mugwort tea while reading these inspiring kitchen-related resources: