Iron goddess is a Chinese tea known for its floral scent and it’s one of those teas that doesn’t like the temperature of boiling water – hot water does the job. If you can’t find lemon leaves, lime leaves will work just as well. Enjoy this Iron Goddess Iced Tea with plums, mint and lemon leaves over the warm summer months.
Makes about 1.25 litres
4 plums, plus extra plum slices, to garnish (optional)
1 mint sprig, plus extra to garnish
5 lemon leaves
1½ iron goddess or oolong tea leaves
1 litre water hot water
Sugar syrup to taste
Put the plums in a large container. Crush with a muddler or the end of a rolling pin until the skins have broken (leave the stones in). Add mint leaves and lemon leaves and set aside.
Put the tea leaves in a large teapot or saucepan, pour in the hot water and steep for 3 minutes.
Pour the tea over the plum mixture through a fine strainer and discard the tea leaves. Leave the plum mixture at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
Pour the tea through the strainer into a large pitcher, discarding the plums, stones and leaves. Add the sugar syrup to taste. Cover and chill the tea until ready to serve. Garnish with the fresh mint leaves and plum slices, if using.
Note: The water should be hot but not boiling, approximately 80°C.
This is an extract from Hummus & Co by Michael Rantissi and Kristy Frawley, published by Murdoch Books. Photos by Alan Benson. If you love this Iron Goddess Iced Tea with plums, mint and lemon leaves other recipes from this book include Asparagus, Pea and Feta Tart and Banana Kataifi Tarte Tatin.
