Dried Persimmon Tea: A Delicious Chai Alternative

What You'll Need

Equipment
  • small saucepan
  • Cheesecloth or strainer
  • measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
  • 6-8 dried persimmon slices
  • 3” fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp white peppercorns
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 star anise
  • 1 tsp fennel
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • Milk to taste

This recipe caught my eye as I paged through the recipes in the book Dandelion and Quince: Exploring the Wide World of Unusual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs

Persimmons have such a subtle flavor, it’s more sweet than anything else. I wondered what sort of tea they would make.

The answer, in this case, is a spicy, milky tea, much like chai, but without the added sweeteners. The sweet dried fruit provides both a sweetness and a subtle flavor, that shines through the chai spices. It really does not need any added sweeteners!

This is not the exact recipe that I found this book that day, but I must tip my hat to Michelle McKenzie for the inspiration. I would never have thought that persimmons would make such a delicious tea, and I am very grateful to her for the inspiration. An excellent way to enjoy a cuppa chai without the caloric wallop.

Directions

1) Simmer persimmon with spices

In a small saucepan, combine the persimmon slices with 2 cups water.
Slice the ginger into thin slices and add it to the pot. Add the spices.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
simmer dried persimmons

2) Strain

Strain out the dried fruit and spices, and pour into cups, leaving room for milk.
strain tea spices

3) Add milk and enjoy hot!

chai tea alternative 

Over to You

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