Turmeric Tea

By
Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 08/1/21
Fresh-Brewed Turmeric Tea With Turmeric Root and Ground Turmeric
The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Steep: 8 mins
Total: 13 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Yield: 2 cups
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
203 Calories
1g Fat
59g Carbs
5g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 203
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 20mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 59g 21%
Dietary Fiber 12g 44%
Total Sugars 28g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 215mg 1,076%
Calcium 121mg 9%
Iron 4mg 23%
Potassium 737mg 16%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This turmeric tea has a lavor that surprisingly pleasant and rather soothing. It's earthy with a hint of spiced bitterness and best compared to a mild masala chai without the milk. Turmeric is a perfect flavor to pair with ginger, cinnamon, and citrus. They come together wonderfully in this tea to create a soothing, warm drink.

For this recipe, you can use either ground turmeric or fresh turmeric root. The ground version is very easy to find and creates an opaque tea that has a brilliant yellow-orange color. Tea brewed with turmeric root is a pale, clear yellow. The taste is similar, though the root tea punctuates the flavor and is definitely worth trying if you enjoy the ground turmeric tea.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups boiling filtered or distilled water

  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric (or 2-inch piece turmeric root, peeled and thinly sliced)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger (1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (or 1-inch piece lemon peel)

  • 4 teaspoons honey, to taste; divided

  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for Turmeric Tea
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  2. In a teapot with the boiling water, add the turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon zest or peel. If using ground ingredients, stir well to dissolve.

    Making Turmeric Tea
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  3. Let the tea brew for 5 to 8 minutes with ground turmeric or 8 to 10 minutes with turmeric root.

    Steeping Turmeric Tea
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  4. Strain into teacups.

    Straining Turmeric Tea
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  5. Add 2 teaspoons of honey to each cup (or less depending on your preference) and garnish with lemon wedges.

    Fresh-Brewed Turmeric Tea
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

  6. Serve and enjoy.

    Fresh-Brewed Turmeric Tea With Ground Turmeric and Turmeric Root
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Are There Side Effects to Drinking Turmeric?

When used in food, turmeric is generally not eaten in large amounts and is considered safe. Many recipes use the equivalent of this turmeric tea. The general precautions surrounding turmeric come from high doses of supplements taken over long periods. Side effects may include digestive issues and lower blood sugar, and it may be a blood thinner that should be avoided before surgery. Drinking the tea in moderation and with a doctor's advice if you have medical conditions is likely the best approach.

Tips

  • Turmeric is a very effective natural dye and will easily stain fabric and wood. Avoid white towels and be careful of your clothing. Metal and ceramic kitchenware and most countertop surfaces typically clean up with soapy water; use a scratchpad or baking soda for stubborn spots. On skin and fingernails, the yellow is faint and will wash out after a couple of times.
  • Turmeric root is not as readily available as the ground form. Look for it at natural food and international markets or online stores.
  • You can also grate the turmeric and ginger using a microplane or zester.
  • If your teapot has a built-in infuser, place the solid ingredients in that (after dissolving ground turmeric, if using) and skip the straining step.

Recipe Variations

  • Substitute agave nectar for the honey. Molasses is also a nice sweetener for the tea, though you'll want to use just a dollop.
  • Freshly ground black pepper is a popular additive to turmeric tea that complements the flavor nicely.
  • Another excellent citrus fruit for turmeric, switch from lemon to orange zest and wedge.
  • Add a splash of milk to soften the flavor. You might also enjoy golden milk (or turmeric latte), which uses milk instead of water.
Article Sources
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  1. Available at: http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=107&pid=33&gid=000277.