CEBU, Philippines – The cold nights call something hot to warm up the body. While a shot of alcoholic drink has been traditionally the handy answer, it may not be very healthful for all. There's a time-honored hot drink that's very common in the rural areas - the 'tanglad' drink, which is derived by boiling lemongrass.
Also known as lemongrass tea, the drink is made from this perennial grass that's so easy to grow, either in a garden or a container. As a tropical plant, lemongrass or 'tanglad' does not take well to cold, but as it takes well to containers. The white portion of the stalk is known as a wonderful flavoring for cooking, but that's not the only portion of the plant that can be used. The leaves are also an excellent flavoring, and are known for making a soothing tea that is believed to have a number of health benefits.
Lemongrass tea is easy to make and has a rich, lemony scent and taste.
Step 1 - Pick Lemongrass Leaves.
The leaves are the part of the plant used to make lemongrass tea. The leaves can be used either fresh or dried. Cut the green portion of the leaves from the lemongrass plant using a pair of sharp scissors. If you don't plant the lemongrass yourself, its leaves are easily available fresh or dried at health food stores or at public markets.
Step 2 - Optional: Dry the Leaves.
Lemongrass leaves can be stored by drying. Hang bunches out of full sun until dry, or place the leaves on a drying rack and store in a cool, dry place. The leaves can also be dried in an oven between 100 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch carefully for browning and turn the leaves at increments. Once the leaves crumble at your touch, they're dry enough and should be stored in a re-sealable plastic bag.
Step 3 - Prepare the Leaves.
Fresh leaves should be washed before use and cut into 1 to 2 inch lengths with a pair of clean, sharp scissors.
Dry leaves should already be cut into small pieces.
Step 4 - Make Tea.
Place one or two fresh leaves, cut into 1 or 2 inch lengths, in a cup - or one or two leaves worth of dried lemongrass leaves. Pour boiling water over the leaves and leave to steep for 10 or 15 minutes.
Leaves can also be placed in a tea pot and added with water. Use more leaves for a larger pot of tea; just adjust the amount to suit your personal taste.
Step 5 - Optional: Flavor
You can add sugar or honey as sweetener, if desired. Other teas and herbs can be added to create a different taste. However, the flavor of lemongrass is often considered unique and wonderful on its own.
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