Winter has arrived and we are certainly feeling the chill. Here come the sniffles and we start battling the symptoms of the common cold or flu. I suffer from the cold each and every year and thankfully have a way to combat the symptoms, making me feel better in no time.
Growing up, my grandmother and aunties would prepare a traditional Italian lemon tea when I came down with a cold. I am lucky enough to have this family heirloom recipe passed down to me, which I also plan to pass down to future generations. Unlike a squeeze of lemon and a dash of honey the preparation process for our family lemon tea recipe extracts the essential oil from the rind, which contributes to a speedy recovery. I have also found this tea effective in relieving a sore throat as well as that feeling you have when you're a little bit under the weather. Not only in winter, but after the festive season or when your workload starts to take a toll on your body.
Here it is, my family heirloom recipe to assist you in combating the symptoms of the common cold and flu this winter. Being quite simple and having a very distinct flavour, it may not be the best tasting tea but it will definitely get you on the road to recovery.
1. Under running water, rinse a fresh lemon. (Homegrown is always best.) Shave the rind off the lemon taking only the yellow layer to avoid an overpowering flavour, then slice the remaining flesh.
2. Place the sliced lemon and rind into a saucepan with one and a half cups of water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes. (The slices of lemon will be broken apart.)
3. Remove lemon rind and pith then pour the hot lemon tea into your favourite cup.
4. Add a teaspoon of organic honey to the lemon tea. Drink it down as hot as possible. Take time out to rest and feel better.
Watch my video to view the preparation method of this Heirloom Lemon Tea.