Herbal tea with a meal? Of course you can! While a good herbal tea is generally enjoyed during digestion or before going to bed, it can also be enjoyed during lunch or dinner. In fact, the aromas of infusions can go very well with certain dishes. Which infusion to choose, how to prepare it and what food to serve with it? Here are a few tips for a successful herbal tea-meal match.
Herbal tea, good for the body
First of all, it’s worth recalling the benefits of herbal teas for the body: depending on the plant chosen, the benefits are different. Plants act on the body, partly thanks to the antioxidant effect contained in their leaves, stems or flowers: some have a diuretic effect, others help with sleep, digestion or blood circulation. Infusions always have a positive effect on the body, provided you know which plant to choose and how to prepare it.
Choosing and preparing herbal tea
It’s essential to understand how herbs act on the body before choosing your herbal tea. Keep in mind the following associations (non-exhaustive list):
- Difficult digestion or bloating = fennel or aniseed
- Anxiety = lemon balm
- Need to sleep = verbena or chamomile
- Sore liver = rosemary or dandelion
- Gastric reflux = licorice
Preparation is also a simple but precise process. There are three methods: decoction, infusion and maceration. The most common is infusion: you pour simmering water (never boiling!) over the selected herbs and remove them after five or six minutes of infusion (leaving them any longer could make the drink too strong, altering its taste). For a decoction, place the herbs in cold water, bring to the boil and leave to infuse for a few minutes before removing the herbs. Maceration involves leaving the plants in cold water for several hours before drinking the mixture.
Herbal tea with meals
During meals, herbal tea is a perfect accompaniment to light dishes, such as salads. The herbal taste goes very well with fresh vegetables prepared with quinoa or bulgur. The aromas contained in some herbal teas, such as fennel, can be strong, so we recommend pairing them with light, neutral dishes to achieve a combination that will stimulate your palate.
Herbal tea with a gourmet dessert
A touch of sweetness with herbal tea and you’ll be happy! A good dessert or pastry goes perfectly with an infusion. For example, a chocolate or red fruit dessert goes wonderfully well with herbal tea. What’s more, you’ll be able to get rid of your guilt about eating gourmet foods, as the herbs will provide you with all their digestive benefits.
Herbal tea to digest a heavy meal
Indeed, it’s after a hearty meal that herbal tea is often most appreciated. Christmas festivities, when stomachs are put to the test, are often the occasion to try herbal teas: difficult digestion and cold weather make for a warm, light and comforting drink. It’s therefore a good idea to opt for herbal tea after overindulgence, as long as you don’t drink too much: no more than one or two cups after a hearty meal.
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