Thyme Tea (Video)

Learn to how to make Thyme Tea (Чай с Чабрецом), a herbal tea that's flavorful, full of health benefits and steeped in tradition. Easily made with Fresh Thyme or Dried Thyme, with a woodsy, minty, peppery tea, served perfectly with honey and lemon or more!

Enjoyed from Russian Dachas to cafes, Thyme Tea is a staple in Russia and Slavic homes, and across the Mediterranean and Africa. A refreshing tea that's enjoyed for the flavor or for traditional medicinal uses. I prefer the milder and greener taste of using Fresh Thyme Leaves, Dried Thyme is stronger (concentrated) and slightly bitter for my tastebuds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Traditional Health - rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and traditionally used for soothing colds, coughs and digestion, or boosting immunity
• Natural and Caffeine Free - enjoy a cup before bedtime, or any time of day
• Easy - all you need is 2 ingredients and a bit of time for steeping, nothing fancy, just regular Thyme you find at the supermarket
• Customizable - Dried or Fresh Thyme mixed with other herbs, or tea makes is versatile and delicious!

Ingredients

• Fresh Thyme
• Dried Thyme (optional)
• Water

How to Make Thyme Tea

1. Prepare Thyme - if using Dried Thyme, you will need 1 teaspoon per cup of boiling water. Fresh Thyme requires at least 2 teaspoons per cup (about 5 sprigs per cup - be generous).
2. Boil Water - bring water to a rolling boil.
3. Steep - place Thyme into a Teapot or a French Press. Pour boiling water over herbs and cover. Steep for 7-10 minutes. This is when you would add extra flavored teas or herbs (optional).
4. Strain - using a strainer or sieve, strain the tea. For French Press, press down on the plunger.
5. Serve - add Lemon Slice and Honey or Ginger to enhance flavor. Serve hot and enjoy.

Thyme Tea Flavor Ideas

• Thyme and Mint Tea - add 4-5 fresh Mint Leaves while steeping
• Thyme Black Tea - add 1 Teabag of Black Tea or 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea
• Ginger and Thyme Tea - add a few slices of fresh Ginger
• Thyme Green Tea - add 1 teaspoon of loose leaf Green Tea while steeping
• Chamomile Thyme Tea - steep with a Chamomile Teabag
• Honey Lemon Thyme Tea - serve with a slice of Lemon and Honey

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• Don't Oversteep - if you steep longer than 15 minutes, the flavor is strong and can taste a bit medicinal
• Cold Tea - brew, then chill in the fridge and serve as a refreshing Thyme Iced Tea
• See A Doctor - What? Yup, with all herbal medicinal teas, check with your doctor, so it doesn't interact with your medicines or health conditions. Generally accepted that 1-2 cups a day is fine, but you should still check... (specifically if pregnant or have a thyroid condition)
• Add Flavors - add you favorite fruits or teas, or serve with spoonful of Jam, served Russian style.

Is Thyme Tea Healthy?

Thyme Tea has been used traditionally to treat respiratory like sinus congestion and coughs. It also soothes the stomach for gas and bloating and aids digestion, and is an immune booster with antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

How to Store Thyme Tea

Store in a sealed jar to bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving or enjoy chilled.

Tea Recipes You'll Love

• Sea Buckthorn Tea
• Russian Tea (American Style)
• Zavarka - Russian Tea
• Homemade Kombucha - Mushroom Tea
• Sweet Iced Tea
• Hot Apple Cider

Thyme Tea has a pleasant flavor, with herbal notes and a bit of spice. Often used as traditional herbal medicine tea, but I love it for the flavor. Perfect to wind down after a long day, a simple fragrant herbal tea. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

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