Tea leaves are not just meant for a comforting cuppa; they hold a treasure trove of possibilities beyond the teapot. As you savour that last sip of your favourite brew, consider this: those spent tea leaves can do so much more than simply end up in the trash bin. From enhancing your indoor plants to creating natural air fresheners, there are many smart and creative ways you can make use of tea leaves right in the comfort of your own home.
However, when reusing tea leaves, it is important to store them properly. Tea leaves should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help keep them fresh and flavourful. It is also important to note that not all tea leaves are created equal. Some tea leaves are better suited for re-steeping than others. For example, black tea leaves can be re-steeped multiple times, while green tea leaves should only be re-steeped once.
So, before you discard those used tea leaves, let's explore some brilliant and eco-friendly ideas to give them a second life, proving that a simple cup of tea can bring a touch of magic to every corner of your living space.
Here's How You Can Use Tea Beyond Just Brewing:
Use It As Compost
Include your used tea leaves, whether you have a compost bin at home or a local drop-off for compost. Depending on the label, some tea bags can be composted whole, but others must be ripped apart and added to the organics pile in order to be used as plant fertiliser.
Flavour Your Salad
We advise you to soak some green tea leaves as soon as possible with salt and lemon juice. Keep it in this state for at least three to four days, and once it has fermented, use it as a salad bowl garnish. Fermented tea leaves not only give the dish a distinctive flavour, but they also make it healthier. After all, green tea is praised for its health properties all over the world.
A Natural Deodorizer
You may have heard people mention that since tea is so absorbent, you shouldn't keep it in your kitchen. The use of old tea leaves to eliminate odours is the flip side of the same coin. To prevent the leaves from becoming mouldy, dry them off on a sizable dish or tray. Collect the leaves and secure them in cheesecloth or muslin bags. You can choose to perfume the bag with your preferred natural oil at this optional stage. Avoid using artificial scents because they could affect the composting methods we will explain later. Place the bag anywhere you want to deodorise, including your refrigerator, closet, drawer, and shoes.
Use It For Cooking
Use tea to flavour any food by steeping it in milk, broth, or other cooking liquids. Consider steeping tea in broth for soups, using it to cook seafood, incorporating it into vinaigrettes and sauces, or using it to flavour the foundation of ice creams, sorbets, or your favourite baked desserts.
Use It For Cleaning
It's challenging to visualise the same tea being used as a home cleaner when you picture a tea-stained cup that becomes covered in a thin, brown film after numerous steepings. However, it seems that tea's astringency makes it an excellent element for cutting through grease and grime, and it even makes furniture shine. To add a little natural colour and shine to hardwood floors or wood furniture, moisten a soft cloth with some strong-brewed, room-temperature tea and gently rub it into the surface. On lighter wood, use white or green tea, and on darker wood, oolong or black tea.