Wondering what to do with all that extra mint leftover from last night's meal? Don't throw it out—make tea instead. It's easy to dry fresh herbs for homemade tea, and concocting your own recipe is a fun kitchen experiment for kids and adults alike. And who knows...you just might come up with your own signature blend!
What You Need:
- Fresh herbs such as mint, chamomile, or rose hips
- String
- Push pin
- Spoon
- Wax paper
- Coffee filters
- Spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg)
- Hot water
What You Do:
- Start by drying the fresh herbs. Have your child tie the herbs in bundles with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, you can also dry herbs in a low oven (around 200 degrees F), checking every few minutes until they are completely dry, but for maximum flavor and quality, air drying is best.
- Once the herbs are completely dry, lay them on a sheet of wax paper and have her carefully crush them using the back of a spoon or another blunt object.
- Add any desired spices to the crushed herbs such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or licorice root. Be careful not to add too much—a little goes a long way!
- Help her trim the coffee filter into a 2" x 4" in rectangle.
- Fold the coffee filter rectangle in half width-wise, then unfold it and place a large pinch of the herb and spice mixture in the middle.
- Fold the filter in half again, then fold in the sides and top of the rectangle to create a bag.
- Make two holes in the top of the bag by carefully pressing the push pin through both corners. Thread a length of string through the holes and tie the ends together.
- Drop the tea bag in a mug and pour hot water over it. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully remove the tea bag, then taste your tea to see how it came out.
Keep experimenting with different blends until you find your own signature brew.
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