The arrival of summer invites us to slow down, spend a little more time outside, and reconnect with the season. One of our favorite ways to welcome longer days is by making a simple batch of herbal sun tea.
This sweet tradition is a beautiful activity to share with your littles. Children love gathering herbs, filling jars with water, and watching the sunshine slowly transform fresh plants into a refreshing herbal infusion.
MAKING HERBAL SUN TEA:
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Add filtered or distilled water to a clear glass jar or pitcher with a lid.
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Add herbs to the jar. For fresh herbs, rinse them well and loosely fill the jar about 1/3
to 1/2 full. For dried herbs, use about 2-3 tablespoons per half gallon of water.
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Fill the jar with water and cover the jar tightly with a lid or other cover.
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Place the jar in a sunny spot.
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Let the tea steep for 3-5 hours, or until it reaches the desired strength.
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Strain out the herbs.
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Add sweetener and/or fruit such as lemon, orange, peaches, or strawberries (if desired) at the time of serving.
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Pour over ice and enjoy!
POPULAR HERB CHOICES:
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Mint: Peppermint or spearmint for a refreshing flavor
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Lemon Balm: Offers a citrusy flavor
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Dried Nettle (to avoid the sting): For grassy, earthy flavors
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Chamomile: Known for its calming properties
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Basil: A unique and delicious option
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Rose Hips: Offers a tangy flavor
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Lemon Verbena: Provides a strong lemon flavor
MAKE IT A SUMMER TRADITION
While the tea steeps, spend time reading outside, tending the garden, or looking for butterflies and bees visiting the flowers. Simple traditions like these remind us that nature offers lots of opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the seasons.
