When I make a herbal tea how long is it viable for?
When I make a herbal tea how long is it viable for?
A Herbal infusion is the technique used to make a herbal tea. Infusions use hot water (or oil) to extract the herbs volatile oils and active constituents into the water. To completely infuse a herb it needs to steep in the water for about 10 minutes. Some people steep their herbs for hours before drinking, however this can cause the tea to become to strong and taste bitter. The density of the herb being infused also depends on steeping time, for instance Green Tea can become bitter after a few minutes whereas Elecampagne being a root herb takes considerably longer to infuse to optimum strength. The density of a herb will also determine whether or not to pour boiling water over the herb or to let the water come off the boil for a minute before infusing.
The viability of the herbs will start to decrease immediately as the volatile oils and active constituents vaporise during infusion. Keep the tea covered to reduce the loss of constituents. The water should then be drained off the herbs and taken immediately or within the hour. An infusion can also be refrigerated and taken within 48 hours.