How To

Ginger has been popping up as a popular ingredient in many products in the past few years, however the root has been used for centuries in many different Asian cuisines. Beyond adding a spicy zing to dishes, ginger is often consumed for its health benefits. There is scientific evidence to support that ginger is great for curbing the nausea and upset stomach effects from morning sickness and cancer treatments, and studies suggest that it also can aid in reducing inflation and pain.

One of the most common ways to consume ginger is by using it in tea. The warm, spicy notes in ginger teas bring comfort during cold winter nights at home but can also provide an extra energizing kick to help you get your morning started.

Luckily, ginger teas are easier than ever to make and most, like Argo Tea’s Green Tea Ginger Twist and Ginger Peach black tea, are perfectly blended to please the seasoned ginger fan and ginger newcomer alike. These teas will provide their health benefits with no extra work, however if you’re looking for an extra zesty kick or to double up on ginger’s healthy properties, you can infuse your tea with extra fresh ginger!

What you’ll need:

• Fresh Ginger Root
• The loose-leaf tea of your choice (we suggest our Green Tea Ginger Twist, or our Lemonello for a nice caffeine-free ginger tea)
• Water
• Lemon and honey (optional)

First, start by washing your ginger. Because it grows in the ground (it is a root after all!) it might still have some dirt on it. Don’t worry! Just give it a good scrub and pat it dry and you’ll be good to go.

Next, have yourself a grate time! Using a microplane or cheese grater, go to town on the ginger. Because you won’t be consuming the root itself, you don’t have to worry about peeling it. The amount you’d like to use is up to you, but we suggest grating about a tablespoon of ginger for every 8 – 12 oz of hot water you plan on using.

If you don’t have any fancy kitchen tools, don’t worry! Peel your ginger and then use a fork to help grate it up. You can also just mince the ginger instead!

Pour your water into a pan or kettle and bring it to a boil. Add your ginger and start a 10-minute timer. (Feel free to adjust the time for your personal preference!) While your ginger water is boiling, set up a teapot with your loose leaf tea measured out with 1 tsp of loose leaf tea for every 8 oz of water you’re using. Many teas are great when brewed with fresh ginger -- such as a traditional English Breakfast tea -- however we recommend experimenting with some of your favorite tea blends, like Argo’s caffeine-free Happy Chai.

When time is up, take the water off heat and let it sit for a few minutes, until it’s at about 190°F. Pour the ginger water over your loose leaf tea, making sure that none of the fresh ginger chunks make it past your teapot’s infuser. Allow the tea to steep for the time recommended on the package.

When your tea is done steeping it’s ready to drink! Remove the tea from the water and add any extra flavor enhancers, such as fresh squeezed lemon or sweet honey, to make your drink just the way you want it!