Prepare 3 cups of Merry Moments Tea. A twist on the black tea tradition, this blend has the sweetness of apple and cinnamon with the citrus tang of orange rooibos. Set these three cups aside for now. You can use any tea from the Cape Breton Tea Company in place of Merry Moments.
In a pot, put 3 cups of Apples, Blueberries, and/or orange slices, and ¼ cup of Ginger Root, add enough water to cover the fruit and have an extra finger width of water above it, approximately 6 cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, and let the pot sit and steep for 15 minutes. Other fruit considerations are rhubarb, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Strain the juice into a glass container and put the fruit mush aside (it can be used in muffins later). Into the juice add ¼ cup of honey and ¼ cup of molasses. Stir to dissolve. Add 1 cup of fresh lemon juice and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. Add the 3 cups of the Merry Moments tea. Stir to mix and put into the refrigerator to cool. Serve with a lemon wedge, a sprig of mint, or a lavender bloom.
*Preparing your tea ahead…if you make a pot of tea and have leftovers, put them into a container in the fridge or into an ice tray. When you need the tea, it is ready for you. Tea cubes are great to add to a glass of water on a hot day. They also are a great accent for a tall glass of water with dinner and assist with digestion.
What is Switchel? Why should I drink it?
Switchel is a drink that goes back to the 1700s and was a great way for farmers to balance their electrolytes after a hot day of working in the sun. A natural way to bring hydration and balance to the body, this is a simple way to make a difference in the body. Here are a few other things that the Switchel can offer your body…
1. Reduction of inflammation. The inclusion of Ginger brings about a calming effect on the body and the systems. Black tea contains theaflavin, this is a polyphenol that can support reducing inflammation and promoting wellness. Rooibos contains antioxidants which also support reducing inflammation, while the potassium ions help reduce cramping.
2. The potassium, magnesium, calcium, and manganese-rich addition of apple cider vinegar as well as molasses assists with bringing essential minerals to the body. Iron is also present and provides the opportunity for the body to energize and support muscles and tissue.
3. The body can balance the ph with apple cider vinegar and lemon which supports the lymphatic system as well as the liver organ system, this assists with a flow of fluids that supports releasing toxins from the system.
4. Supporting the digestive system through ginger, the body is able to change the way that food is used as fuel for the body.
5. Honey supports the body to aid digestion and adds vitamin C, calcium, and antibacterial and antifungal properties.
6. Blueberries, also known as a superfood, are an antioxidant with phytoflavinoids, high in potassium and Vitamin C, they support heart health and cell wellness.
And these are just a few of the wonderful opportunities in each glass of Switchel…Enjoy!