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
