Herbal tea… when the leaves come straight from the garden… is the most refreshing and therapeutic digestif of all.
One of my favourites, popular in southern France, is verveine… lemon verbena… deliciously citrus in flavour but with an added kick
The perfect afternoon or after dinner drink… I like it iced in summer and as an infusion in autumn and winter
At the end of the summer I pick all the remaining leaves and dry them out…to save in airtight jars ready for the months ahead
(You can buy bags of the dried leaves in the local Provencal markets… and depending on your customs regulations… these are one of the best souvenirs to take home…)
To make the tea… add to the pot a handful of fresh leaves, several slices of lemon and a few pieces of fresh ginger
Let the hot water infuse for five minutes and that’s it… xv
LEMON VERBENA
Rattan Tray… here
Dried Lemon Verbena Leaves… here
TO SERVE
I use a cast iron pot or a glass one for that extra touch of pretty
Cast Iron Tea Pot… here