African Bitter Leaf Tea, Your New Health Elixir! Bitter yet Better

African bitter leaf tea is made from African bitter leaf taken fron african bitter leaf plant.

It is scientifically known as Vernonia amygdalina, is a plant commonly found in tropical Africa.

It is known for its bitter taste and is used in various cuisines and traditional medicines across the continent. Bitter leaf is a traditional herbal medicine believed to have several health benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing fever, and promoting overall health.

Some studies suggest bitter leaf may help boost fertility.

In Africa, mornings and evenings without a cup of tea is often boring. Tea is our thing. To prepare African bitter leaf tea, dried bitter leaves are rinsed thoroughly and then boiled in water.

The leaves are simmered for about 10-15 minutes, then the tea is strained. You can add honey or sugar according to your preference.

In cooking, it is often used in soups, stews, and herbal teas to add flavor and nutrition.

Let’s look at its benefits, uses, and a delicious recipe

Check out our kenyan tangawizi(ginger) tea here.

What are the health benefits of African bitter leaf tea?

Digestive Health: African bitter leaf tea is known to aid digestion, alleviate symptoms of indigestion, and promote gut health. It can help with issues like bloating, constipation, and stomach cramps.

Immune Boosting: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, bitter leaf tea helps boost the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections and diseases.

Liver Health: Bitter leaf tea is believed to have detoxifying properties that can help cleanse the liver and improve its function.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: The tea contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis.

Weight Management: Some studies suggest that bitter leaf tea may help with weight management by boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning.

Skin Health: Bitter leaf tea is believed to have skin-clearing properties and may help improve the appearance of acne and other skin conditions.

Diabetes Management: Some research indicates that bitter leaf tea may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes.

Antimicrobial Properties: Bitter leaf tea has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off bacteria and other pathogens in the body.

Culinary uses of bitter leaf

African bitter leaf is not only used make tea but also on other dishes such as;

• Soups and stews: It adds a depth of flavor and is often combined with other vegetables, meats, and spices.
• Sauces: Bitter leaf can be used to make sauces that are served over rice, yams, or other starches. The bitterness can be balanced with other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and spices.
• Salads: n some cuisines, bitter leaf is used in salads, either on its own or mixed with other greens. The bitterness adds a unique flavor profile to the salad.
• Smoothies: Some people add bitter leaf to smoothies for its nutritional benefits. When blended with fruits like bananas or pineapples, the bitterness can be less pronounced.

How to make African bitter leaf tea

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried African bitter leaves
• 4 cups water
• Honey or sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the dried bitter leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed bitter leaves to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low.
4. Simmer the leaves for about 10-15 minutes, or until the water has reduced by half.
5. Strain the tea to remove the leaves.
6. You can add honey or sugar according to your preference.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

• Plain tea: You can serve it plan warm African bitter leaf tea on its own after meals.
• Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into your bitter leaf tea for a citrusy twist. Lemon can help enhance the flavors of the tea and add a refreshing zing.
• Ginger: Add some fresh ginger slices or ginger powder to your bitter leaf tea for a spicy kick. Ginger can help soothe digestion and complement the bitterness of the tea.
• Milk or cream: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add some milk or cream to your bitter leaf tea. This can help mellow out the bitterness and create a smooth, comforting drink.
• With African dishes: Pair your bitter leaf tea with traditional African dishes like fufu, jollof rice, or grilled meats. The tea can help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the food.

African Bitter Leaf Tea Recipe

Recipe by GladysCourse: DrinksCuisine: AfricanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Here is a simple tea recipe. Low-carb, gluten-free, diary-free, and soy-free

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried African bitter leaves

• 4 cups water

• Honey or sugar (optional)

Directions

• Rinse the dried bitter leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
• In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
• Add the rinsed bitter leaves to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low.
• Simmer the leaves for about 10-15 minutes, or until the water has reduced by half.
• Strain the tea to remove the leaves.
• Add honey or sugar to taste, if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Bitter leaf can be quite bitter, so it’s essential to wash it thoroughly before use. You can soak it in water for a few minutes and then rinse it several times to reduce the bitterness.
• To further reduce the bitterness, you can blanch the bitter leaf in boiling water for a few minutes. This process can help mellow out the flavor.