Peaches are loved around the world for many reasons. They’re juicy, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Thanks to their bursting flavor, they’re a popular ingredient in many foods and beverages, including teas. And peach tea benefits not only the taste buds.
Let’s explore what peach tea has to offer!
What Is Peach Tea
Peach tea is a herbal tea that can be made out of peach leaves and the fruit itself. Peach is often used as a sweet flavoring agent in drinks and desserts. The leaves, on the other hand, have a slightly bitter flavor with almond and floral tones. They’re actually often used in medicine.
The peach itself is a deciduous tree that was first domesticated and bred in Northwest China, with first instances being as early as 6000 BC.
Peach trees have been valued across cultures around the world for their tasty fruits and beautiful pink blossoms. The fruit has white or yellow flesh, a soft aroma, and fuzzy skin.
Fun Fact: In ancient Rome, peaches used to be called Persian apples because it was believed the fruit came from Persia.
Peach Tea Benefits
Prevents Illnesses
Our bodies are constantly under attack from free radicals that damage our vital cells and contribute to illnesses and aging. While there are many natural processes in our bodies that fight them, it’s important to do everything we can to protect ourselves.
Research shows that fresh peach pulps and peel demonstrated high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and higher protection against cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. This helps prevent premature aging and many illnesses.
Boosts Immune System
We need our immune system to fight infections, dangerous substances, and viruses. It’s an essential part of our bodies, and we should do our part in keeping it functioning well. This is where yet another peach tea benefit swoops in to save the day.
Studies have confirmed that peaches are an excellent source of vitamin C, and it’s no secret that it helps boost the immune system. That’s a pretty tasty way of getting your essential vitamins if you ask me!
Fun Fact: In Chinese traditional medicine, peach leaves and bark are known to relieve congestion, coughs, headaches, and stomach irritation.
Protects From Microbes
It’s no coincidence that natural herbs have been used for antimicrobial purposes for many centuries, and that includes peach leaves and bark.
Studies show that the peach leaf is rich in alpha-glucans, which may protect against environmental toxins and microbes. Environmental toxins are known to cause cancer and disrupt the function of our organs, so protecting ourselves from them is key to a longer and healthier life.
Helps Fight Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong health condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin or doesn’t use it efficiently, which, in turn, causes high blood sugar. People with diabetes need to manage the illness every single day in order to stay in good health.
Thankfully there are many natural ingredients that can be helpful while not limiting you from enjoying life and peach can be one of them! One of the most recent studies shows that the polyphenols found in peach juice may lower glucose and insulin levels.
How To Make Peach Tea
There are many ways of making peach tea, and it can be modified to any taste and preference.
Some like to add Darjeeling tea to it for the caffeine kick, some opt for honeybush for that extra sweet flavor, and some mix it with other natural ingredients, such as cinnamon, turmeric, and honey, to name a few.
(Read more about the benefits of Darjeeling tea)
You also have a few options when it comes to deciding which part of the peach to incorporate, and how: you can use the fruit and its leaves fresh or dried, sliced or diced.
Important Note: Peach leaves must always be cooked before consumption because they can be toxic for us in their raw form.
Step-By-Step Guide (Serving Size: 4 Cups)
Ingredients
- 1 Fresh or dried peach, chopped
- 5 Peach leaves, chopped
- 1 cups boiling water
- 1-2 tsp to taste, Turmeric powdered or grated
- Fresh ginger to taste, sliced
- Optional sweetener: honey or agave
- Optional: black, green, or honeybush tea
Instructions
- Heat a pot with water to a boil.
- Place fresh or dried peaches, peach leaves, ginger, and turmeric in the boiling water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then take off the heat.
- Once taken off the heat, add optional tea and let it steep for 3 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup and add an optional sweetener to taste.
- Your tea is ready!
Pro Tip: During hot summer days, feel free to ice the tea after it has cooled down!
Conclusion
As we can see, peaches are not only a refreshing summer snack but also a great ingredient for tea. You now have all the information you need to reap all the peach tea benefits!
Now, get out there, make some tea, and have yourself a peachy day.
PS. Once you’ve tried our recipe, don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments below!