Harvest to Health: Crafting Homemade Olive Leaf Tea from Sun-Dried Leaves

Olive leaf tea offers several health benefits due to its rich content of antioxidants and beneficial compounds such as oleuropein. Olive trees, with their hardy nature and resilience, thrive remarkably well in the arid conditions of the desert. Here at BLeaves Farms, we’re fortunate to have our own Arbequina Spanish Olive Tree, with its silvery green-leaves shimmering under the desert sun. As we seek to make the most of this resource, we’ve discovered a delightful way to harness the health benefits of olive leaves by crafting our own homemade olive leaf tea. This simple yet rewarding process allows us to transform these desert gems into a soothing beverage that not only nourishes the body, but also connects us to the natural bounty of our unique environment. Join us as we delve into the art of making olive leaf tea from hand-picked, sun-dried leaves, and experience the wellness benefits these resilient trees have to offer. Here are some key health benefits:

Antioxidant Properties: Olive leaves are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory compounds in olive leaves can help reduce inflammation, potentially easing conditions like arthritis.

Immune System Support: Olive leaves have been shown to boost immune function, helping the body fend off infections.

Cardiovascular Health: Consuming olive leaf tea may help improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Antimicrobial Properties: The tea has natural antimicrobial and antiviral properties, which can help combat infections.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Olive leaf tea may help regulate blood sugar levels, beneficial for those managing diabetes.

Skin Health: The antioxidants in olive leaves can promote healthier skin by protecting it from damage.

How to Make Homemade Olive Leaf Tea

To make olive leaf tea from hand-picked and sun-dried olive leaves, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• Hand-picked, sun-dried olive leaves
• Water

Equipment:

• Electric tea kettle with an infuser, electric tea kettle, or traditional stovetop tea kettle
• Infuser or tea bags
• Tea cup

Steps:

• Harvest and Prepare the Leaves:
  • Pick fresh olive leaves from an olive tree. Choose healthy, undamaged leaves.
  • Rinse the leaves thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or insects.
  • Pat the leaves dry with a clean towel or let them air dry completely.
• Sun-Drying the Leaves:
  • Spread the leaves in a single layer on a clean, dry surface or a drying rack in a well-ventilated area.
  • Let the leaves dry for several days to a week until they are completely dry and brittle.
• Storing the Dried Leaves:
  • Once the leaves are fully dried, store them in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, in a cool, dark place.
  • Before using, I like to crush the dried, brittle leaves into small flakes with my hands.

Brewing the Tea:

• Using Tea Bags or Infuser:
  • Heat the Water: Fill your electric kettle or stovetop kettle with water and heat it to just below boiling, around 190-200°F (88-93°C).
  • Prepare the Leaves: Place 1-2 tablespoons of the dried olive leaves into a tea bag or infuser. You can also add additional ingredients; a favorite of ours is dried citrus leaves and dried elderflower.
  • Steep the Tea: Place the tea bag or infuser in a cup and pour the hot water over it. Let it steep for about 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea. Remove the teabag or infuser and drink.
• Using a Viante Electric Kettle with Infuser (Preferred Method):
  • Or better yet, purchase my favorite appliance: the Viante Electric Tea Kettle with an Infuser built in! It’s an ingenious invention and so simple to use. Add the 2 tablespoons of dried olive leaves into the infuser (and additional ingredients if desired), add the desired amount of water, set to 175 degrees, and it will make multiple perfect cups of tea for you and your loved ones! It will even keep it warm for you.

Serve: Pour the tea into a cup and enjoy. You can add honey or lemon if desired to enhance the flavor.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a soothing and healthful cup of olive leaf tea, harnessing the natural benefits of the olive tree. It has a light and earthy flavor that is one of our favorites to have before bedtime!

Don’t have an olive tree or the patience to try this at home but would like to try olive tree tea? No worries–you can purchase some olive leaf tea here!