Turmeric Ginger Prebiotic Tea

Gluten-free | Sugar-free | Dairy-free | Vegan

Makes 1 litre (2.1 pints) 

Why it’s delicious

Why buy expensive health tonics when you can quickly and inexpensively make your own at home? This tea is delicious, hot or cold, and can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 month. 

Helpful hints and tips

I use fresh turmeric root in this tea, which has more health benefits than powdered turmeric as the body is able to better absorb the nutrients from fresh. You can purchase fresh turmeric from the vege store or greengrocer, and it’s usually sold alongside fresh ginger and garlic. 

This recipe calls for inulin powder, a soluble fibre derived from plant-based sources. It is a prebiotic, making it a fantastic ingredient for gut health and a healthy alternative to sugar. I use Pure as Inulin Powder, a 100% natural plant-based prebiotic chicory inulin powder to support a healthy digestive system. It also tastes like candy floss! Please check out our online store here to place an order. You can also read more about inulin powder --> here. 

Ingredients

• 1000 ml (2.1 pints) filtered water
• 4 organic lemon ginger tea bags
• 1-2 lemons, peeled and juiced (keep the peels, don’t discard)
• 5 cm (2 inches) fresh ginger rhizome/root, finely grated
• 2 tbsp freshly grated turmeric rhizome/ root 
• 4 tbsp Pure as Inulin Powder
• ½ tsp freshly milled black pepper

Optional tea additions

• 2 cinnamon quills
• 4 star anise
• 2 pandan leaves, knotted

Method

1. Using fresh filtered water, bring it to a boil in a saucepan. Add the tea bags and reduce the tea down to a simmer. Allow to simmer for a couple of minutes (do not allow to boil), and then add ½ the lemon juice and the lemon peels.
2. Add the ginger and turmeric and at this stage, if you are using any flavouring agents like cinnamon, star anise and pandan leaves also include these now. Allow the tea to simmer for a further couple of minutes (do not allow it to boil, remember if it boils, it will spoil!)
3. Remove the tea from the heat and stir in the inulin and black pepper. Taste the tea for flavour, and if you like it a bit tarter, add some of the reserved lemon juice.
4. You can leave the tea to steep with the tea bags until cold for a deeper flavour or allow the tea to steep and brew for a further 10 minutes before removing the tea bags and drinking. 
5. You can drink this tea hot or cold, and feel free to strain just before you serve. It's ideal to leave the bits and pieces in the tea as long as you can, as it will continue to flavour and brew as it sits. 
6. You can store the brewed cold tea in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.