Level Up Your Goldenrod Game: Advanced Techniques & Combinations Part 1
Let's take our goldenrod journey to the next level! This week, we've already explored the magic of this versatile herb by crafting tea, vinegar, oil, and tincture. Now, it's time to get creative and modify these creations for even more possibilities.
Today our focus is on tea.
While a freshly brewed cup of goldenrod tea is a delight, sometimes you need the convenience of a ready-to-go remedy. Even though herbalists often favor teas, we recognize that life demands portable and shelf-stable options. Let's explore a few ways to transform your goldenrod tea into something even more versatile.
Preserve Goldenrod's Goodness: Freeze Tea for Instant Relief
Beyond a warm cuppa, there's a clever way to store goldenrod tea for the long haul – turn it into handy frozen cubes! This method not only preserves its beneficial properties but also offers a refreshing twist for summer sips and quick relief when you're feeling under the weather.
To make your frozen tea remedy, start by brewing a potent batch. I recommend using a generous ounce of dried goldenrod per quart of water. Simply combine the herbs and boiling water in a quart mason jar, let it steep for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for a deeper infusion), then strain.
Next, pour the strained tea into ice cube trays or small silicone molds. Pop them in the freezer for a few hours until solid, then transfer the cubes to an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
These frozen tea cubes are a game-changer:
Summer Cooler: Blend a few cubes with water for a revitalizing iced tea – especially helpful during allergy season, thanks to goldenrod's natural antihistamine properties.
Sparkling Refresher: Add a cube or two to sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for a bubbly, healthy pick-me-up.
Instant Tea: Feeling unwell? No need to wait for steeping. Simply drop a few cubes into a cup of hot water for immediate comfort.
Goldenrod Tea Syrup: A Sweet and Shelf-Stable Solution
Another excellent way to enjoy goldenrod's benefits beyond a fresh brew is by transforming it into a delightful syrup. This concentrated form not only lasts longer but also opens up a world of culinary and wellness possibilities.
To begin, choose your preferred sweetener. Honey adds a delicate floral touch, while cane sugar offers a classic sweetness.
Once you've decided, brew a strong batch of goldenrod tea. Then, gently simmer the tea in a pot until it reduces by half. This intensifies the flavor and creates a thicker consistency.
Now, it's time to add your sweetener:
For sugar: Once the tea has reduced, add an equal amount of sugar to the remaining liquid. Stir over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
For honey: Let the reduced tea cool to below 110 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the honey's beneficial enzymes. Then, stir in an equal amount of honey until fully dissolved.
Finally, let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to a clean glass bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to six months.
This goldenrod syrup can be used in countless ways:
Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
Sweeten iced tea or lemonade.
Add to cocktails for a unique herbal twist.
Use as a base for homemade cough syrup.