“The Exclusive Plant Drinks”
Disclaimer:
The information provided below is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Before making any changes to your diet or consuming any plant-based drinks, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and circumstances.
Plant drinks, also known as herbal or botanical beverages, offer a delightful and refreshing way to enjoy the goodness of nature. These drinks are made from various plants, herbs, flowers, and fruits, providing a wide range of flavors and health benefits. From herbal teas to fruit-infused waters and exotic concoctions, plant drinks offer a tantalizing escape from the ordinary. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, providing a soothing and invigorating experience for the senses.
*Kava
Preparation:
Kava drink is made by harvesting and peeling the roots of the kava plant. The roots are then ground or pounded into a powder or pulp. The ground kava is mixed with water and strained to extract the active compounds. The liquid is filtered to remove particles, resulting in a smooth drink. The strained kava is served in cups or coconut shells and consumed immediately.
* Matcha
Preparation:
To prepare matcha drink, sift the matcha powder to remove lumps. Heat water to around 175°F (80°C). In a bowl or cup, whisk matcha powder with a small amount of hot water to create a smooth paste. Gradually add the remaining hot water while whisking until frothy. Enjoy as is or add frothed milk for a matcha latte.
*Dandelion wine
Preparation:
Collect 4 cups of dandelion flowers and steep the petals in 8 cups of boiling water for 24 hours. Strain the liquid and add 3 ½ cups of sugar, juice of 2 lemons, and 1 orange. Let it cool, add wine yeast, and ferment for 2–3 weeks. Strain again, bottle, and age for 6 months.
*Agave
Preparation:
Agave plant drink, specifically agave nectar, is a natural sweetener derived from the juice of the agave plant. Simply add it to your drink, stirring until it dissolves, and enjoy the enhanced sweetness it brings. Adjust the amount of agave nectar based on your desired level of sweetness, and indulge in the delightful flavors of this natural plant-based sweetener.
*Rooibos tea
Preparation:
Rooibos tea, also known as red bush tea, is a flavorful herbal tea made from the leaves of the South African rooibos plant. To prepare rooibos tea, start by boiling water. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and add rooibos tea leaves or tea bags to the water. Allow the tea to steep for about 5 to 7 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger flavor. After steeping, remove the tea leaves or tea bags and sweeten the tea if desired. Rooibos tea can be enjoyed hot or iced, and it offers a naturally sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of vanilla.
*Yerba mate
Preparation:
To prepare yerba mate, fill a gourd with loose yerba mate leaves, insert a bombilla straw, and pour hot water into the gourd. Sip the mate through the straw, refilling with hot water as needed.
*Chicha
Preparation:
To make chicha, soak corn kernels overnight, grind them into a paste, boil with water and flavorings, strain, add sweeteners, and ferment for a few days. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a tangy and sweet corn-based drink.
*Saffron-infused drinks
Preparation:
To make saffron drink, steep a pinch of saffron threads in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Simmer milk or water separately, then combine with the saffron-infused water and sweeten to taste. Optional additions include rosewater or cardamom powder. Serve hot or chilled for a rich and aromatic beverage.
*Damiana herb liqueur
Preparation:
To prepare a damiana herb drink, steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried damiana leaves in a cup of hot water for 5–10 minutes. Strain the liquid and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor. Serve the damiana drink warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
*Guayasa
Preparation:
To prepare guayusa plant drink, start by boiling water. Once the water reaches a boil, remove it from heat and add a handful of guayusa leaves to the water. Let the leaves steep for about 5–10 minutes. Strain the liquid to remove the leaves and sweeten the drink with honey or another sweetener if desired. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for added flavor.
*Bael Sherbet
Preparation:
To prepare a bael drink, scoop out the flesh of a ripe bael fruit and blend it with water. Strain the mixture to remove any fibers. Sweeten with sugar or honey, and add optional spices or lime juice for flavor. Serve chilled or over ice. Enjoy the refreshing taste of this traditional Indian beverage.
*Khas-Khas
Preparation:
To prepare a khas khas drink, soak poppy seeds in water, grind them into a paste, and mix with boiled milk. Sweeten with sugar or honey, and add optional flavors like cardamom or rose water. Strain and serve warm or chilled. Enjoy the creamy and nutty taste of this beverage, but remember to consume it in moderation due to the potential sedative effects of poppy seeds.
*Kalmegh
Preparation:
To make a kalmegh drink, boil water and add dried kalmegh leaves. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, then strain the liquid. Sweeten with honey or sugar, and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm or chilled.
*Amla
Preparation:
Start by washing and chopping fresh amla into small pieces. In a blender, add the chopped amla along with water and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any pulp or seeds. Add honey or sugar to sweeten the drink, and optionally, you can also add a pinch of salt, black salt, or roasted cumin powder for added flavor. Stir well to combine, and serve the amla drink chilled.
*Neem
Preparation:
To prepare a neem drink, boil water in a saucepan and add neem leaves to it. Let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down. Strain the liquid to remove the neem leaves. Optionally, you can add honey or a natural sweetener to enhance the taste. Serve the neem drink either warm or chilled.
*Moringa
Preparation:
To prepare a moringa drink, boil water and add fresh or dried moringa leaves. Let it steep for about 5–10 minutes. Strain the liquid to remove the leaves. Add sweeteners like honey or sugar to taste, and optionally squeeze in some lemon or lime juice for added flavor.
*Brahmi
Preparation:
To make a brahmi drink, boil water and add dried brahmi leaves or powder. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, then strain. Sweeten with honey or sugar, and add lemon juice if desired. Serve warm or chilled.
*Blue lotus tea
Preparation:
To prepare blue lotus tea, simmer 5 grams of dried blue lotus flowers or petals in 1 cup of water for 10–15 minutes. Strain the tea and sweeten if desired. Enjoy while warm. Start with a small amount and be cautious of any potential interactions with medications or health conditions.
*Butterfly pea flower
Preparation:
To prepare butterfly pea flower tea, boil water and add dried butterfly pea flowers (1–2 teaspoons per cup). Let it steep for 5–10 minutes, then strain. Add sweeteners or flavourings if desired. Enjoy the vibrant blue tea!
Image credits:
https://sensiseeds.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Medicinal-Plants-Kava-scaled.jpg
https://cdn.britannica.com/89/222989-050-A74782E9/Roots-of-the-kava-plant-Piper-methysticum-cava.jpg
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References:
https://matchasource.com/how-matcha-is-produced/
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TLDR:
Plant drinks, also known as herbal or botanical beverages, are made from various plants, herbs, flowers, and fruits and provide a range of flavors and health benefits. They can be enjoyed hot or cold and come in a variety of forms, such as teas, infusions, wines, and sherbets. Preparation methods vary, but typically involve brewing or blending the plant and adding optional sweeteners or flavorings.
