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.
Amy (Savory Moments) says
Wow! What a lovely tea. I had my first persimmons last year and loved them. This looks so yummy and warming.
thyme (Sarah) says
I have never tried an infusion like this. I can barely imagine the beautiful aromas. I wonder if we can find persimmons down here...I believe I have seen them. So much to try...so little time to try it all Sylvie!
Samantha says
This is just a list of my favourite things in a recipe!
Sukaina says
This set of photos are my most favorite of yours. Simple, sophisticated and understated. I love it!
Jeanne @ CookSister! says
Synchronicity!! You'll never guess what I posted about today... persimmons! Love the sound of this tea - perfectly warming and soothing for the awful grey, blustery & wet day we are having in London. And I am besotted with that 2nd photo...
Carolyn says
That really looks so wonderful and comforting, Sylvie. I keep seeing persimmons at my grocery store, and now I have a reason to buy them!
Deeba Rajpal (@vindee) says
Beautiful! Just beautiful Sylvie!
Nash at Plateful says
Sounds so deliciously soothing! Never tasted persimmon in tea, can't wait to try!
TidyMom says
Sylvie, I'm not a big hot tea drinker and I want this! it's looks beautiful and so full of flavor!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Tea is the ultimate comfort! I love these flavors; just wish I had a mug right now!