This sweet and spicy cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and persimmon tea radiates warmth and comfort.
A nice cup of tea never fails you when you need it. When I’m in need I turn to this recipe, it has become my usual cup as of late; my first choice in the morning, and the one that steams from my mug at the end of the day. The sweet and spicy taste of this bright golden orange tea radiates warmth and comfort and envelopes me with its soothing aroma.
Although technically an infusion and not a proper tea (since it contains no tea leaves and is naturally free of caffeine) its tongue tingling properties are just perfect for the fall and winter seasons when our bodies and immune systems often take a beating. With plenty of hot spices, this naturally warming and anti-inflammatory infusion is just the thing to sooth an ailing stomach or ward off a chill.
The key spices here are cinnamon, ginger and turmeric, all with a rich history of medicinal use. An invigorating kick of black pepper and the subtle sweetness of persimmons completes the package; each playing a key role and adding depth and complexity to the final preparation. The heat of the ginger and pepper call attention to the earthiness of the turmeric, an accent of cinnamon sets them off and the whole thing is smoothed out by the sweetness of the persimmons.
Spicy ginger supports digestion, fragrant cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar and had anti-microbial properties, sweet persimmons in tea are a natural Asian remedy for acid reflux and earthy turmeric along with the black pepper has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The bioavailability of the active part of turmeric called curcumin is greatly enhanced by the presence of piperine which is found in black pepper which is probably why turmeric and black pepper are found together in curry.
Rest assured that this decidedly fortifying elixir only requires the slightest effort on your part and can be prepared in large amounts to keep on hand in case of need (ahem…post holiday meal perhaps?) And while it’s simmering away on your stove it has the added benefit of wrapping your house in the unmistakably cozy smells of the season.
Spiced Persimmon Turmeric Tea
This sweet and spicy cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and persimmon tea radiates warmth and comfort.
Ingredients
- 8 cups/64oz filtered water
- One 3 inch piece peeled and thinly sliced fresh ginger
- One 3 inch piece peeled and thinly sliced fresh turmeric root
- 1 teaspoon fresh good quality peppercorns
- 6 good quality cinnamon sticks, preferably celyon cinnamon
- 2 small or 1 large fuyu persimmon, thinly sliced (save a few slices for serving)
- Sweetener of choice (ex. honey or stevia) to taste
Instructions
- Place the water, ginger, turmeric, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks and persimmon slices in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat, and simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Strain tea through a fine mesh strainer (or pour through a coffee filter to catch sediment).
- Pour into cups or bowls. The softened persimmons may also be added or add a few fresh slices for garnish and serve adding preferred sweetener to taste.
- Alternatively you can cool the tea to room temperature and refrigerate for a couple of days and reheat as desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 43Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 20mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 3gSugar: 6gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Meera says
I love the flavors you have used in making this tea, going to make it today to help with my cold. Sounds soothing 🙂
Aimee @ Simple Bites says
I am well aware of the healthy benefits of tumeric and am thrilled I can now consume it in liquid form! Beautiful tea. =)
leaf (the indolent cook) says
I enjoy fruit teas and I don't think I've had any with persimmon before. Lovely idea and so full of goodness!
Carey G says
Sylvie, how much water? I feel like I must be overlooking that part somewhere, but don't see it 🙂
Thanks - love tumeric in tea!
Sylvie says
No you aren't overlooking anything, it's my mistake sorry! I accidentally omitted that but I've updated the recipe now to reflect the amount of water needed which is 8 cups.
Jeanette says
I could use a nice cup of this tea together...brrr - love the idea of persimmon in tea with all these warm spices.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Turmeric is so good for us. Apart from the orange fingers if I'm not careful, it's fantastic stuff.
I love your tea.
Martyna @ WholesomeCook says
My Dad used to add fresh apple slices to his teas, and while I like dried berries in my green cuppa I quite enjoy tge sound of your flavour combination Sylvie, too!
Rosa says
That is an original tea! What delightful flavors.
Cheers,
Rosa
Ana Cooks says
these are the most beautiful pictures!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
SUCH beautiful persimmon - wow! I bet the tea is just so full of depth and great unique flavor!