I had the chance to sample some
fruit tea sold by Teaopia here in Medicine Hat and LOVED IT! I normally do not like tea...the bark/grassy taste is a big deterrent for me as that is what I always taste first. Seeing as this tea is made just from dried fruit, there was no other taste but fruit. Seeing as it is an expensive tea, and I am looking for an alternative to hot chocolate to help me relax at night to sleep, I found some help on how to make my own dried fruit to make tea. I will have to tell you how it turns out in a few weeks.
10 quarts fruit
Ascorbic acid crystals or Vitamin C tablets
2 quarts water
Paper towels
Slotted spoon
Drying pan
Large plastic container
Zip bags or glass jars
Instructions
- 1
Select fresh, ripe fruit. Overripe fruit may be too stringy or leathery. Unripe fruit may not be sweet or colorful. The drying process will not enhance the quality of the fruit.
- 2
Wash fruit. Sort through and toss decayed fruit. Mold can impact the fruit while drying.
-
- 3
Crack skins of fruit that have a waxy coating, such as plums, prunes and berries. Place fruit in boiling water for 30 seconds to one minute. Run under cold water. Drain on paper towels.
- 4
Mix 2 1/2 tablespoons of ascorbic acid crystals into one quart of chilled water. Soak fruit for 10 minutes. Take fruit out with slotted spoon, and drain.
- 5
Preheat oven to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Place treated fruit on drying tray in a single layer. Put the tray of fruit in the oven for four to 12 hours. Drying time depends on the kind and size of fruit: Finely sliced apples take about six hours, while thick-cut peaches can take up to 36 hours.
- 6
Allow a handful of pieces to cool to room temperature. Pinch fruit to check for pliability and dryness.
- 7
Pack dried fruit in zip-closing bags or moisture-proof glass jars. Put fruit in cool, dark place for storage.
Tips & Warnings
Read more: How to Dry Fruit to Make Tea | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7716957_dry-fruit-make-tea.html#ixzz1pnVupRYZ
