Wednesday, June 22, 2011

How to Soften Dry Ice Tea Mix That Has Hardened

Dry iced tea mix allows you to make flawless iced tea at home any time; you don't even need to brew tea; all you need to be able to do is follow instructions. The mix already comes perfectly blended so that when prepared, it tastes like you've made a careful concoction of tea, lemon and sugar. Dry iced tea mix is also extremely portable and allows you to whip some iced tea up even when you're on the go, at the beach, swimming pool or while camping. However, if left in poor storing facilities, the tea mix may begin to harden.

Instructions
1- Stab very carefully at the dry iced tea mix with a butter knife and break off a chunk that is close to the size of the amount that you normally use when brewing a pitcher or glass of iced tea. Set that chunk in a large mug.
2- Pour 1 cup of water into a pot or kettle and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, pour it immediately on top of the chunk of hardened iced tea mix.
3- Pound the moistened chunk of iced tea mix with a wooden spoon and stir it vigorously. The force of the spoon in combination with the hot water should soften it considerably. You can now use it to prepare instant iced tea, though you should let it cool first.

Tips & Warnings
Store your moistened iced tea mix in a plastic container in the fridge.
Never use iced tea mix if it is past the expiration date.

How to Extract Green Leaf Tea

Green Tea Extract is a supplement and can be made at home. Green tea has origins that are millions of years old and has been used since ancient times for various health reasons. According to a study from the University of Maryland's website, green tea may have numerous beneficial uses and health benefits. For example, green tea has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, slow the aging process and encourage weight loss.

Instructions
1- Combine the tea with the mineral water. Cover the mixture with a lid.
2- Steep the tea for an hour at room temperature.
3- Pour the green tea extract into a clean cup using the cheesecloth to strain the green tea.
4- Chill for an hour in the refrigerator
5- Throw away the green tea left in the first container and wash the cheesecloth before reusing.

How to Dry Raspberry Leaves for Tea

Raspberry tea is a beverage that contains many beneficial properties. Vitamins A, B, C, and E, citric acid, calcium and potassium, among other nutrients, help this tea pack a powerful antioxidant punch. Choosing to drink raspberry tea may have health benefits including increased energy, and improved circulation. For pregnant women, raspberry tea is known as providing improved uterine tone. Naturally, raspberry tea can be purchased, but if you have access to raspberry bushes, both wild and domestic, then making your own tea can be a straightforward process.

Instructions
1- Pick stocks of raspberry leaves from a wild or domestic raspberry plants. It is advised to pick these leaves while the plant is blossoming because the leaves are most fresh at this time. Leaves that are picked later in the season can also be used, but those picked once the plant has produced fruit, will generally be of low quality and flavor.
2- Dry the stocks and leaves by laying them between two window screens -- any clean window screens can be used. Be sure to adequately space the leaves so that the drying process is faster. Lay these screens containing the raspberry leaves in a sunny and dry area such as the sidewalk or patio.
3- Allow the leaves to dry for approximately three days. Check the leaves to see if they have fully dried or if they need more time to dry.
4- Use the fully dried raspberry leaves to make wonderful hot or cold tea. Steep approximately 1/2 oz. of leaves for five to ten minutes in boiling water and enjoy a cup of hot tea or chill to make iced tea. Add honey, sugar, or lemon to sweeten the tea if you like.