Tea-Lovers, Relish This Kesar Tea For An Evening To Remember

Indians and their love for a piping hot cup of tea will never diminish. For many of us, they kick start our morning, to many it is the only fuel that keeps them going through the day. It comes as no surprise that India is a major producer of tea, cultivating up to 900,000 metric tonnes of tea per annum. We have various kinds of tea leaves growing all over the subcontinent. Like our rich Indian cuisine, we have also created various regional drinks with tea as core ingredient. There is a plethora of traditional tea beverages that you can find in every region of the country, this factor can easily prove our undying love for our beloved chai. Saffron tea is one of the irresistible teas that you must try for its delectable flavours. Saffron, popularly known as kesar in some regions of India, is an expensive spice which is often regarded as ‘golden leaves.’ This remarkable spice has been used for many centuries for enriching food, drinks and teas across the Middle-Eastern and Asian regions. They do not only add a rich layer of flavour to the dishes, but also have been found to be effective in daily life. According to popular legends, Cleopatra used to bathe in milk steeped in saffron to keep her youthfulness and beauty intact. Alexandra the Great also used the strings of saffron to heal his battle wounds faster as it is also antiseptic. Having said that, saffron tea is a potent concoction that will surely entice you with its delicate flavours. The tea is pretty similar to the traditional Kashmiri Kahwa. However, this drink doesn’t use milk which brings the real taste of the elements present in the tea. To enjoy the incredible goodness of the tea, here’s the simple recipe for saffron tea.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp saffron
  • 1 litre water
  • 2 tbsp sugar or honey
  • 1-2 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tsp ginger, grated
  • 3-4 lemon wedges
  • 8-10 mint leaves

Preparations:

1. In a saucepan boil water over medium flame. When it comes to a boil, lower the flame and add saffron, sugar, cinnamon stick, ginger, lemon wedges and mint leaves.

2. Let the saffron tea simmer for 6-7 minutes, and make sure to stir it in regular intervals.

3. Strain the tea and enjoy it piping hot.