6 Refreshing Ways To Add This Functional Tea To Your Summer Roster
Refreshing Ways To Add This Functional Tea To Your Summer Roster
Author Aly Dort / Category Lifestyle / Published: June 2019
Ahhh, turmeric: the beautiful spice that turns your curry (and your dish ware) yellow.
Considered a warming spice, turmeric is used liberally in curries and stews, but it’s also been used as a functional tea for thousands of years. Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve memory, digestion, and more. There are fascinating studies showing the countless benefits of adding turmeric into your wellness regime, but what if Indian food isn’t your cup of tea? Not to fret, we’ve put together a refreshing list of easy ways you can add more turmeric into your diet.
Sneak it into Your Smoothies
Smoothies are a go-to summer staple, and adding 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of turmeric can be a hassle-free way to increase your intake. Despite often being used in curries, turmeric is actually a fairly mild spice and pairs wonderfully with tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. If you’re feeling hesitant about its flavour, start with just 1/2 teaspoon; you may be surprised at how much you like it!
Add it to Your Iced Tea (or Summer Beverage of Choice)
What better way to reap more of this functional tea’s benefits than to grab your cold brew pitcher and brew up a batch of Turmeric Tonic iced tea? Turmeric Tonic isn’t only a functional tea blend; It’s also flavourful and comforting.
Since cold brewing your tea can be done overnight, all you have to do is wake up, grab a glass and enjoy! You can slice up some pineapple and add a few slices to your glass for added flavour and garnish.
You can also add a pinch of turmeric into your favourite loose leaf tea. I recommend adding it into our seasonal Pineapple Punch or Peach Pie teas for best results.
Iced Tea & Turmeric Popscicles
While you’re at it, why don’t you pour any extra iced tea into a few popsicle moulds and make yourself a turmeric tea popsicle? This is a child-friendly way of adding turmeric to your little one’s diet as well.
Add it to your Favourite Hummus Dip, Vinaigrette or Marinade
Adding 1/2-1 teaspoon of turmeric to your favourite hummus recipe is delicious. You can also add it into pre-made hummus in a pinch!
I have also added a pinch or two to both vinaigrette and marinades. My rule of thumb is that if my dressing or marinade features citrus or tropical fruit, adding a touch of turmeric is likely a complimentary ingredient. If you aren’t as confident, there are a ton of delicious turmeric recipes online.
Golden Milk for those Chilly Nights
Also known as Moon Milk, Turmeric Lattes or Turmeric Milk, this is one of my favourite Fall and Winter drinks. It does take about 5 minutes to make, but is a comforting ritual for those chilly summer evenings.
You need 2 cups of your favourite milk, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger and a tiny pinch of black pepper*.
Heat everything in a small saucepan and then pour into your favourite mug and enjoy! I like to add a 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla when I have it, you can adjust the spices to your personal taste.
*Black pepper is shown to help the body absorb turmeric and magnify it’s benefits.
Having flavourful, versatile and functional teas in your roster is a wellness tool we can all take advantage of and turmeric is one that I am never without.
What’s your favourite way to enjoy turmeric?
Leave a little kindness wherever you go,
Aly Dort is a freelance illustrator and stationery designer living in Halifax, N.S. She is passionate about mental health, social sustainability and empowering those around her.
