If you've been following me for a while you know that there's two things I love about this time of the year. First, I'll take a good cup of tea any day, any time. There's just something about fuzzy socks, a cozy blanket, and a warm mug in my hand that really gets me going. And second, in case you couldn't tell, I'm kind of obsessed with all things fall.
Turmeric is one of those simple ingredients that reminds me of autumn. Its rich golden-yellow color suggests that the leaves are about to fall, and the weather is about to change. And, it is packed with powerful antioxidants, such as curcumin, that can slow cell damage and boost the immune system. Turmeric is often used as an herbal remedy during colder months because of its powerful antibacterial properties. It's also high in anti-inflammatory properties, improves digestion, and can promote the reduction of fat cells and cholesterol.
I've been adding a bit of Turmeric to my teas almost daily right now. It has such a warm, earthy flavor that really grounds me. And the health benefits really can't be beat.
Easy Turmeric Tea
There's three simple ways to add turmeric to your tea recipes:
First, you can use ground turmeric from the spice aisle of your local grocer. I like to add about 1/4 teaspoon to every cup of tea that I brew. Simply add it to a warm cup of water, milk or coffee and mix it until it's fully dissolved.
The second way you can use turmeric is to slice or grate 1-2 teaspoons of fresh turmeric root and simmer it in a cup or two of warm water on your stovetop. You can also add other ingredients such as herbs and teas to your simmering pot for about 10 minutes before pouring into a mug to enjoy.
The final way you can add a little turmeric to your drinks is by adding 1-2 drops of turmeric essential oil to your favorite beverage. You can get all the benefits of turmeric without the fuss of measuring.
Below, I'm going to share three simple turmeric tea recipes that I've had on repeat in my kitchen these last few weeks. I hope you enjoy them!
Turmeric Coconut Milk Tea
This recipe uses coconut milk and butter to give this tea a rich, creamy texture. The fatty acids from these ingredients can also help your body better absorb all the nutrients that turmeric has to offer. You can substitute the butter for ghee or coconut oil.
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon butter (or ghee or coconut oil)
1–2 drops Turmeric oil
Turmeric spice for garnish
Optional: 1 drop of Ginger oil
Directions:
Heat coconut milk and water in a saucepan on low for three to four minutes.
Add butter, honey, and Turmeric essential oil and stir until butter melts and ingredients combine.
Pour into mugs and add a pinch of turmeric powder as an optional garnish. Serve hot.
Turmeric Hot Cocoa
I've been known to sneak a little extra ingredient into my kids' meals from time-to-time. I really like this recipe because it gives them those immune fighting ingredients of turmeric but is so creamy and sweet that they don't notice what I've done!
Ingredients:
2 cups milk (regular or almond milk)
2 tsp. maple syrup
1 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. ground turmeric (or 1 drop essential oil)
A pinch of cinnamon
Optional: whipped topping and marshmallows
Directions:
Heat milk in a saucepan on low for five minutes.
Add maple syrup, cocoa powder, turmeric, and cinnamon. Gently simmer the ingredients together for about five to ten more minutes. Stir frequently.
Pour into mugs and top with whipped topping or marshmallows as an optional garnish. Serve hot.
Pumpkin Spice Latte with Turmeric
Skip the coffee chains and try this healthy, delicious cup of homemade pumpkin spice!
Ingredients:
8 oz. brewed coffee (or 1-2 shots of espresso)
1/2 cup milk (I like cashew milk!)
3 tbsp. pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
Directions:
In a small saucepan blend the milk and pumpkin puree together. I like to use a handheld frother or immersion blender.
Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Remove from heat. Add spices, vanilla, and sweetener. Stir to combine.
If you like that frothy foam on the top, use your frother or blender and mix together for an additional 30 seconds until foamy.
Pour your coffee (or espresso) into an over-sized mug. Add your frothy pumpkin mixture on top.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!
As always, let me know what you think of these recipes. I love to hear your thoughts.
With Love,
Kelsey
