Jasmine Iced Tea

During hot months, I always have a carafe of iced tea in my fridge and this is one of my favorites. It's light, floral and refreshing.
It's also healthy, as green tea is a potent source of antioxidants called catechins that help inhibit cancer cell activity, support brain health, and improve cardiovascular function.

Best left unsweetened, the delicate yet rich flavor needs no accompaniment. If you like jasmine green tea hot, you'll also love it cold.

I used jasmine pearls, high quality young green tea leaves scented with jasmine flowers and hand-rolled into pearls that unfold during infusion. You can use jasmine green tea bags instead, or any other green tea. Approximately 4 tea bags will be equivalent to the heaping tablespoon of pearls in this recipe. I store my iced tea in a 4-cup carafe, but if your container is larger, use more tea leaves and water as needed.

1 heaping tbsp jasmine pearls
1 cup near-boiling water
3 or more cups cold water

Add the jasmine pearls to a glass container (a glass measuring cup for liquids works well) and prepare the boiling water. If the water is at a full boil, it will burn the leaves, so remove the water from the heat just before it boils or let it sit for 1 minute if it comes to a full boil.

Pour 1 cup of the hot water over the tea leaves and steep for at least 10 minutes to get the full benefit of the healthy catechins.

Meanwhile, add 3 cups of cold water to a glass or ceramic carafe or pitcher.

Strain the tea into the carafe and taste. If desired, add more water to dilute the tea to your preferred strength. Serve over ice or chill until ready to drink.

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