One of the plants in our school’s Hawaiian native plant collection is a mamaki plant. The leaves of this plant can be used to make tea. Some people say this tea has various health benefits. I was curious about the taste of it, and then found out that my co-worker Desi makes it. She even gave me some. It was light fresh tasting.
I thought maybe I could make it and keep it in my refrigerator for a non-calorie alternative to milk, but our school’s plant was too small for harvesting, and it was really hard to find the leaves for sale anywhere.
On Saturday I finally found mamaki at a local market. Yay! I went to a kitchen supply place to find something to brew them in, and got a reusable bag for making almond milk. It was perfect:
It even has little loops on it so I can hang it from a wooden spoon down into a saucepan for brewing
The result? A Whole pitcher of mamaki tea! I think I brewed it too strong. Next time I’ll use fewer leaves, or cut it with water.
That bag is super-cool! Brilliant loops, bag-maker, wherever you are!
I always thinks tea looks so lovely, but then I kill the taste with sugar. It seems like a good beverage to start enjoying, so thanks for the inspiration!