Fermented Apple Leaf Tea Recipe

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Have you ever had apple leaf tea? Find out more about making tea from apple leaves and the health benefits of tea leaves with this fall tea recipe.

Fermented Apple Leaf Tea

There is a crisp excitement in the air that can only mean one thing – apple season is here, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This joyful period brings with it an abundance of deliciously juicy apples, but the delight doesn’t stop there.

The apple tree offers us more than just fruit; it gives us a hidden treasure in its leaves. Did you know that you can make a refreshing tea from apple leaves? Yes, indeed! Let’s explore the simple process of creating fermented apple leaf tea, and dive into the myriad health benefits it offers.

Living in Vermont, I can’t count the number of delicious apple recipes I’ve made and shared over the years. Some have been beneficial like my Apple Cinnamon Detox Water. Others have been tasty like my Apple and Mint Jelly or my Air Fryer Baked Apples.

Can I use apple leaves for tea?

Absolutely, the leaves can be utilized to brew a delightful cup of tea! Much like the fruit itself, the leaves of the apple tree are dense in nutrients and antioxidants. When steeped in hot water, these leaves yield a mellow, slightly sweet tea. Not only is it a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also an excellent way to harness the health benefits of apples.

Preparing apple tea is quite simple and straightforward. Start by selecting fresh, healthy leaves from an apple tree. Make sure to clean them thoroughly to get rid of any dirt or impurities.

After the leaves are clean and dry, tear them into pieces and let them sit in a warm place to ferment. Once they’ve fermented for a couple of days, they’re ready to be steeped in hot water, creating a rejuvenating tea that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

If you’re used to getting your fruit from the grocery store, you may need to go to an orchard to pick your own. The fruit in the grocery store doesn’t generally have leaves on it.

Health benefits of apple leaf

These leaves are packed with abundant nutrients that are beneficial for health. They are a rich source of antioxidants, like quercetin and flavonoids, which help in warding off harmful free radicals. Drinking apple leaf tea may boost your immune system and promote heart health. Additionally, these antioxidants have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Moreover, these leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help soothe conditions such as arthritis and bowel disorders. They also contain compounds that have antimicrobial properties, offering protection against various harmful bacteria and viruses. So, next time when you pluck an apple, don’t forget about the leaf. It’s a small package with a big health punch!

Anti-inflammatory properties of apples

Apples have long been a favorite for their sweet, crisp bite, but their power goes beyond the fruit itself. The apple tree’s leaves, often overlooked and discarded, carry potent anti-inflammatory benefits. These properties can help combat inflammation in the body, easing conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even asthma.

Enjoying a warm cup of apple tea can thus become a soothing ritual. Not only does it offer a delicate, unique taste, but it also serves as a natural remedy for inflammation. So next time you’re enjoying an apple, spare a thought for the leaves. They’re a powerhouse of health benefits just waiting to be tapped into.

Can I add these leaves to herbal tea?

Yes, definitely! Adding leaves to your herb tea is a wonderful idea. They can blend well with other herbs to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your drink. Theyt have a subtle sweetness and light aroma which complements a variety of tea blends.

When using apple leaves in your herbal tea, be sure to ferment them first to unlock their full flavor. You can then mix them with your choice of herbs, such as mint, chamomile or lavender. The combination of these herbs with eaves can result in a uniquely delicious and health-boosting tea. Enjoy this innovative way to drink tea and reap the benefits!

Best spices for apple tea

If you enjoy using fruits to make herbal teas, you might want to add a few of these spices. They taste delicious and make your house smell wonderful. These mulling spices work well.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet spice that pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of apple tea.
Ginger: Provides a spicy kick and aids in digestion, making it a fantastic addition to herbal tea. Apple is also known to beneficial to your digestive tract.
Nutmeg: Its sweet and slightly nutty flavor adds depth to the mild taste of apples.
Organic cloves: Imparts a unique, sweet-spicy flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of apple tea.

How to wash the leaves

Washing the leaves is an essential initial step to ensure your tea is free from dust and potential contaminants. Start by placing the leaves under a running tap, and gently rubbing them with your fingers to remove any visible dirt. It’s a simple, but crucial task, maintaining the purity of your tea and letting the true flavor of the apple leaf shine through.

After the preliminary rinse, fill a bowl with clean, cool water and add a splash of vinegar. Submerge the the leaves in this solution, allowing them to soak for a few minutes. The vinegar acts as a natural cleaning agent, eliminating any residual dirt or bacteria. After soaking, rinse the leaves one final time under running water, then pat them dry. Your leaves are now clean and ready for the fermentation process.

Ingredients

5-6 ounces of organic apple leaves
2 apples
Honey (optional)

Equipment

Freezer
Ziploc bag
Blender
Dehydrator

Preparing the tea

1. Removing the natural bitterness of the leaves:
Wash off the leaves and dry them on a towel. Allow them to stand for 2 hours. Put the wilted leaves in a zip-lock bag. Seal and put in the freezer for 24 hours.
2. Chop the leaves.
Place the leaves in the bowl of a blender. Grind the leaves. They will be moist.
3. Fermentation:
Place the chopped leaves in a bowl and seal. Moisten a kitchen towel with water. Cover the leaves tightly to keep the mass moist rather than drying out. If desired, you can add raw honey (1 tsp.) to allow the natural sugars to support the fermentation process.
Patience and observation:
Place the bowl in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and let nature work its magic. Fermentation time can vary from 8 to 1 hour. Readiness is determined by a pleasant fruity odor

4. Drying.
Place tea leaves on a plastic tray in a dehydrator. Dry at 150° until ready.

5. Simultaneously dry the apples cut into small cubes. Mix dried leaves and apples. Transfer to a dry jar with a lid. It will take about a week for the tea to mature. the longer the tea is stored, the tastier it becomes.

Tea is brewed in the usual way, served with honey. Optionally add any of the spices I mentioned above.

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