Short description
Apple peel tea is a fragrant, spiced drink made from apple scraps simmered with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. It’s cozy, sustainable, and delicious—perfect for reducing waste while creating a comforting beverage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A zero-waste recipe that uses apple peels and cores.
- Naturally caffeine-free, making it suitable for all ages.
- Warming spices create a cozy, aromatic drink.
- Can be enjoyed hot in winter or chilled in summer.
- Easy to store and reheat for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 cups apple peels and cores (without seeds)
6 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
½ inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or use crystallized ginger)
5 whole cloves
6 cardamom pods
Directions
- Add apple peels, cores, and water to a large pot.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour. Look for a deep color and taste to check for doneness.
- Add spices:
- If using fresh/new spices, add during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- If using previously used spices, add them at the beginning.
- You can place spices in a coffee filter or cheesecloth tied with string for easy removal.
- Strain the apple tea. Save the spices if you’d like to reuse them (up to 3 times).
- Store the strained tea in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
- Serve warm or cold.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6–7 cups of tea, depending on evaporation during simmering.
Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Cooking time: 1 hour.
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Variations
- Add honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Include orange peels or lemon zest for citrus notes.
- Substitute star anise for cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of apple cider for extra richness.
- Mix with black tea or green tea if you’d like a caffeinated version.
Storage/Reheating
Store apple peel tea in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe jars or containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals. Stir well before drinking.
FAQs
1. Can I use apple cores with seeds?
It’s best to avoid seeds, as they can impart bitterness and contain trace amounts of compounds not ideal for consumption in large amounts.
2. What types of apples work best for this tea?
Any variety works—sweet apples give a mild tea, while tart apples create a more robust flavor. A mix of both is ideal.
3. Can I reuse the apple scraps after making tea?
Once boiled, most flavor is extracted, so they’re best discarded or composted after use.
4. How strong should the tea taste?
It depends on your preference. A longer simmer results in a deeper flavor and color, while shorter simmering produces a lighter tea.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 6–8 hours for a hands-off method.
6. Is this tea naturally sweet?
It has a subtle sweetness from the apples, but you can add honey, maple syrup, or sugar if you prefer a sweeter drink.
7. Can I drink this cold?
Yes, it’s refreshing when chilled and served over ice.
8. How do I keep the tea clear instead of cloudy?
Strain thoroughly with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a cleaner liquid.
9. Can I add alcohol to make it a cocktail?
Yes, a splash of rum, brandy, or whiskey turns it into a warming spiced cocktail.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure to use a large enough pot and adjust the spices to taste.
Conclusion
Apple peel tea is a sustainable, cozy, and flavorful drink that makes the most of apple scraps. With its warming spices and flexibility to be enjoyed hot or cold, it’s a drink you can return to year-round. Easy to customize and store, it’s a comforting way to reduce food waste while enjoying a delicious homemade beverage.
Print
Apple Peel Tea
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–7 cups
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A cozy, zero-waste spiced tea made by simmering apple peels and cores with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. Naturally caffeine-free, aromatic, and perfect hot or cold.
Ingredients
6 cups apple peels and cores (without seeds)
6 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
½ inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (or use crystallized ginger)
5 whole cloves
6 cardamom pods
Instructions
- Add apple peels, cores, and water to a large pot.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, until the tea is deeply colored and flavorful.
- Add spices: fresh/new spices in the last 15 minutes, or previously used spices at the beginning. Place in a coffee filter or cheesecloth for easy removal if desired.
- Strain the apple tea, reserving spices if you’d like to reuse them (up to 3 times).
- Store strained tea in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to enjoy.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Add citrus zest for brightness.
- Swap cardamom with star anise for a different flavor.
- Mix in apple cider for extra depth.
- Combine with black or green tea for a caffeinated version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Homemade, Zero-Waste
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
