Saffron tea is a delightful drink first invented by the Arabian culture. It is very healthy and has a clean and pleasant taste and is very refreshing. Although Saffron is expensive, it does make this tea recipe stand out. If you don't have saffron, try a dash of tumeric instead.

In reality, saffron tea is made from red-orange-colored saffron threads, the same ones you use for cooking. One of the most expensive spices on the market, saffron has a host of health benefits as well as a naturally rich taste and delicate aroma that are imparted to the brewed tea.

Ingredients:

• 8 tsp black tea, loose
• 8 cups water
• 12 green cardamom pods
• 8 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads

Heat water with cardamom, sugar and saffron. Simmer until reduced by half. Add tea and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain out tea and spices, and serve hot.

Saffron Milk Tea

Substitute full-fat coconut milk, if you are dairy-free.

Servings:   2 servings.
Prep Time:   15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw milk
• 1 cup water
• 2 T. loose rooibos tea (optional)
• 15-25 saffron threads (this is a medicinal amount of saffron)
• 3 cardamom pods (optional)
• 2 tsp. local, raw honey, or stevia, to taste

Place the water and optional cardamom into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Simmer the pods for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the saffron threads. Allow the strands to steep for 5-8 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir and heat the milk to warm, not boiling, to protect the living nutrients in the raw milk. Strain and serve, adding more sweetener if desired, to taste.