Herbal drinks, hot or cold, are very popular and easy to prepare. The rule is: one or one-half teaspoon of herb for a cup of water. When you use roots, rinds, or leaves, it is best to finely chop them first before use. The kitchen utensils required to make an infusion or tea should be made from enamel, porcelain or clay. Other kitchen utensils used for making herbal drinks are: strainer, kettle, cups with saucers. The time required to make a herbal infusion depends on the hardness of the particular herb. The following ways are used to herbal teas and infusions:
- Put as much water in a kettle as is required to make the amount of tea you desire. In a separate container place the quantity of herbs that corresponds to the number of servings you intend to produce. As soon as the water comes to the boil pour it over the herbs and cover the container for 10 minutes, then filter and serve.
- Put the necessary amount of water and herbs in a container and boil for 2-3 minutes. Then turn off heat, but do not remove the container from the hot ring. Let the container rest on ring for 10 minutes, then filter the contents and serve.
- Heat water in a kettle, but do not let it come to a boil. Remove the kettle from the oven ring and pour the hot water over the herbs in a container. Cover the container for 7-8 minutes, filter and save immediately.
- Place as much of the herbs require in a container and add water. Let the herbs soak for 3-4 hours, then strain and serve. Do not heat water or boil the herbs.