Lime blossom tea.
On the farm the tilleuil trees are in full blossom and the scent, as it floats and lingers on the breeze, is just another one of the million reasons why I am crazy about Provence.
Up early with basket in hand, I wandered along the canal that cuts through our property to one of the flowering tilleuils.
As I listened to the early morning bird song I stripped the flowers from the branches and easily filled my basket. The tilleul trees are other wise known as linden, basswood or lime although they are not in any way related to the citrus family.
Once the flowers have been picked and dried I leave them sitting on large trays for a couple of weeks to make sure they are well and truly ready.
Once dried, I store the flowers in an airtight container. To make the tea I add a handful of flowers to the teapot, fill it with boiling water and let the brew sit for a bit – as for any herbal infusion.
I like drinking this tea in the evenings after dinner as an aid to sleeping and relaxing. I don’t know whether it has any magical properties or not but it tastes delicious to me.
Add a small teaspoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter taste… xv
