Fresh cloves should:
have a deep brown color
feel slightly oily
When pressed, a strong fragrance is emitted
sink into water or stand upright
Old carnations usually appear dry, pale, and have a faint fragrance.
Why clove tea is so popular
Clove tea is popular because it:
warming and soothing is
easy to prepare
very aromatic is
can be refined with spices and milk
suitable for both mornings and evenings
is especially delicious in the cold season
The tea can be prepared as a light herbal infusion or as a rich chai with milk and black tea.
Preparation time
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Drawing time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Makes: 2 cups of tea
Basic recipe for clove tea
Ingredients
2 cups of water
5 whole cloves
1 to 2 teaspoons of honey, sugar or jaggery (optional)
Step-by-step preparation
Step 1: Prepare the carnations
Lightly press the whole cloves with the back of a spoon, a rolling pin or a mortar. Do not grind into powder. The gentle pressing of the cloves slowly releases the essential oils as they simmer.
Step 2: Heat water
Pour 2 cups of water into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Let the water warm up slowly, do not bring it to a boil immediately.
Slow heating ensures that the cloves develop their aroma better.
Step 3: Add cloves
Once the water is hot but not yet boiling, add the crushed cloves.
Stir gently to ensure the cloves are evenly distributed in the water.
Step 4: Simmer slowly
Bring the water to a boil and immediately reduce the heat.
Let the tea simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes.
Five minutes results in a lighter and milder tea.
Ten minutes results in a stronger and more intense flavor. Avoid heavy cooking, as this can lead to bitterness.
Step 5: Let it steep, covered
Turn off the stove and cover the pot with a lid.
Let the tea steep for 3 to 5 minutes. This traps the essential oils and naturally enhances the aroma.
Step 6: Strain the tea
Place a fine tea strainer over the cup and carefully pour the tea through it.
Remove all clove pieces to obtain a clear and mild tea.
Step 7: Sweeten and serve
Add honey, sugar or jaggery to taste and stir until everything has dissolved.
Serve hot and enjoy slowly.
Recipe for spiced clove tea (Advanced)
This richer version combines warming spices, optionally milk and black tea leaves to create a soothing chai-like drink.
Ingredients
2 cups of water
5 to 6 whole cloves
2 cardamom pods
1 small cinnamon stick
1 thin slice of fresh ginger
1 teaspoon black tea leaves (optional)
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk (optional)
Sweetener to taste
Detailed preparation
Step 1: Prepare the spices
Gently press the cloves and cardamom pods.
Slice the ginger into thin slices to allow its aroma to develop better.
Leave the cinnamon stick whole for a slow infusion.
Step 2: Heat the base
Pour water into a pot and heat over medium heat.
Let the water warm up slowly.
Step 3: Add spices
Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger to the warming water.
Stir gently and let the spices steep slowly.
Step 4: Let the mixture simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Simmer for 8 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prolonged simmering results in a richer and more aromatic flavor.
Step 5: Add black tea leaves
If you are using black tea leaves, add them now.
Simmer for only 2 to 3 minutes.
Do not boil black tea for too long, otherwise it will become bitter.
Step 6: Add milk
Add milk and slightly increase the heat.
Gently let the tea rise without boiling over.
Stir constantly until a creamy consistency is achieved.
Step 7: Sweeten tea
Add sugar, honey, or jaggery to taste.
Stir thoroughly until everything has completely dissolved.
Step 8: Let it simmer for the last time
Let the tea steep
