Ah, lavender. Where do we even begin? The soft, gentle aroma.
The pretty purple hue. And, of course, the flavor.
Lavender is a frequent ingredient in a variety of aromatherapy products, cosmetics, and perfumes, for good reason.
It has also found its way into many kitchens worldwide in the form of desserts, baked goods, and beverages.
Today, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about lavender tea, from its origins to its flavor profile.
Not forgetting, we’ll also address the burning question on everyone’s mind – what does lavender tea taste like?
So, sit back, relax, and let’s get started.
What is Lavender Tea?
Lavender tea isn’t rocket science. You get the gist from its name – it’s the tea brewed with lavender.
Lavender tea is prepared using only the finest quality lavender buds, which are typically dried and then steeped in hot water to extract all of their flavor and aroma.
The result is a soothing, fragrant cup of tea that tastes great (for many people) and offers a multitude of health benefits.
Generally, lavender tea comes under the herbal tea category.
This means, it doesn’t contain caffeine.
So, whether you’re looking to avoid the natural stimulant or just want a solid, all-around healthy beverage, lavender tea is a great choice.
What Does Lavender Tea Taste Like?
Now we address the burning question that you’ve been waiting for.
Lavender tea is famously known for its aromatic smell.
Not many are aware of how it tastes.
Unlike other herbal teas, which have a slight hint of bitterness, lavender tea has a bland taste.
It’s neither sweet nor bitter but earthy.
The earthy undertone with a flowery base makes it complex to explain the taste of this tea.
It doesn’t have a strong flavor like peppermint tea but has a slight tone of mint.
Overall, it’s a light herbal tea carried mainly by its aroma.
The flavor profile of Lavender tea
- Floral: You’ll get a hint of floral notes while drinking lavender tea, even if you’re new. The flowery base makes the tea fresh and airy. It’s the dominant flavor that makes the tea aromatic. .
- Earthy undertone: Like chamomile tea, it has an earthy undertone. It’s pretty tricky to describe the flavor. The floral note is the predominant one, followed by the earthy flavor. Surprisingly, the combination of these flavors’ blends perfectly. .
- Smokey note: Smokey note is an extension of an earthy tone. It’s not a predominant flavor, but you’ll get a hint of it when you drink this tea. .
- Minty: When we say lavender tea has a hint of mint, it doesn’t mean it’s like spearmint or peppermint tea. The mint note in this tea is subtle and not overpowering.
How to Serve Lavender Tea?
You can make lavender tea from both dried and fresh lavender buds.
If you have some lavender plants in your garden, feel free to pluck a few sprigs and use those.
Here’s a quick guide on how to make lavender tea with fresh buds:
- Boil some water.
- Add your fresh lavender buds to a tea sachet or ball.
- Pour the hot water over the sachet into a cup.
- Steep for 10 minutes.
- Remove the sachet and enjoy your tea.
As for dried or store-bought lavender tea, you’ll probably get the instructions on the packaging.
But generally, the process is pretty similar – just add the required amount of lavender buds to a cup, pour hot water over it, and let it steep.
Lavender tea tastes great on its own.
However, if you want to jazz it up a little, here are some of our favorite ways to serve lavender tea:
- Add a dollop of honey.
- Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.
- Top it off with a sprig of lavender.
- Add a splash of milk.
- Enjoy your tea with some lavender shortbread cookies on the side.
Is Lavender Tea Healthy to Drink?
The short answer? A big YES, lavender tea is healthy.
One of the biggest benefits of lavender tea is that it boosts sleep, thanks to its therapeutic and calming effects.
Moreover, since the tea is free of caffeine, you can enjoy it any time of the day without having to worry about disrupting your sleep cycle.
Since lavender is used in a range of aromatherapy products, its tea may possibly improve mood and help deal with mood disorders including stress, anxiety, and depression.
Lavender tea can also prove beneficial for your skin.
It’s packed with anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, hence it can promote skin healing and boost overall skin health.
Not to mention, lavender tea is extremely fragrant.
As you sip the tea and take a whiff of its calming scent, you’ll instantly feel more relaxed.
Hence, even if you’re not looking for any health benefits, lavender tea still makes the cut as one of the best teas to drink for its sheer deliciousness and calming effect.
Now, there is an exception to the rule.
For pregnant or breastfeeding women, lavender tea or any lavender products can prove harmful.
They act as a uterine stimulant, which may lead to contractions, which in turn can cause preterm birth or miscarriage.
People undergoing surgery should also steer clear of lavender tea.
Some people may also develop an allergic reaction to lavender.
So, if you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first.
Conclusion
Lavender tea is a healthy drink worth giving a shot at if you haven’t tried it yet.
It’s light tea devoid of bitterness which you’ll find in most herbal teas.
This versatile flowery tea allows you to infuse your style with it.
You can add honey or squeeze some lime juice to make it more flavorful.
If you prefer light herbal tea, lavender tea would be perfect.
It has a complex yet subtle taste.
The flowery base gives an airy feeling, while the earthy tone reminds you of freshly plowed soil.
You can visit your local grocery store to get this tea.
Or get it online if it’s not available in your area.
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