Where does lemon tea come from?
It is difficult to know when these two first met! While tea comes from Asia, lemon is characteristic of the Mediterranean basin. Lemon first appeared mainly in the preparation of iced teas, alongside mint and fruit, which bring even more flavour. But many tea lovers also enjoy slipping a slice of lemon into their teapot or steaming cup of tea.
Is it a good idea to put lemon in your tea?
Yes, say those who enjoy the tangy flavour of lemon. It can add a little pep to a tea that lacks it…. Conversely, for others, adding lemon to tea is sacrilege, as it alters the subtle taste of green tea, black tea or white tea. Everyone should try it and form their own reviews!
What are the benefits of lemon tea?
Lemon has it all! Rich in vitamin C, it is known for its detoxifying properties: it may aid digestion and the elimination of toxins. Tea, meanwhile, contains antioxidants (catechins), which may have beneficial effects in boosting the immune system and protecting the body from cellular ageing and certain cardiovascular diseases. But what happens when the two are combined? A study published in 2007* suggests that adding lemon juice (or lime juice) preserves a large proportion of tea's antioxidants... which would otherwise be destroyed. Indeed, normally, 80% of catechins would be destroyed by the digestive system before they can enter the bloodstream. However, in this laboratory study, adding lemon juice was said to increase the number of antioxidant molecules in the blood.
Flavouring Kusmi teas
At Kusmi, we have chosen to flavour our teas with essential oils, aromatic substances known for their natural origin, produced by certain plants or fruits and extractable in liquid form. It is notably this substance that flavours most of our lemon teas.
Committed to offering you the finest possible ingredients, we chose Sicilian lemons to flavour our teas. In Italy, lemon is an institution: it enhances every dish and even makes your mouth water. At Kusmi, lemon can be found in several blends:
- our iconic Detox, accompanied by organic lemongrass
- in some of our Earl Grey teas and many other blends.
How do you make homemade lemon tea?
As delicious hot as iced, lemon tea can be enjoyed all year round. Depending on your taste, whether you prefer it lighter or stronger, you can choose a green lemon tea or a black lemon tea. Making it could not be simpler: simply prepare a plain tea, then add a spoonful of lemon juice per cup. Those who enjoy beautiful presentation will add a slice of lemon, while those with a sweet tooth will add a spoonful of honey to bring a little roundness, balance the acidity or soothe a sore throat. Fancy making another lemon tea the next day? This time, use lemon zest and leave it to infuse.
Which lemon teas does Kusmi Tea offer?
Citrus lovers will be sure to try several flagship teas from Kusmi. First, organic ginger-lemon green tea, which combines the warmth and boldness of ginger with the freshness and spontaneity of lemon. organic Breakfast at the Élysée tea, where green tea and maté blend with notes of lemon and lemongrass (... enough to wake you up!). organic detox tea, an invigorating blend of green tea, maté and lemon. organic Earl Grey Intense, a black tea paired with the power of bergamot essential oil and the tangy notes of lemon peel. Or organic Anastasia tea, an Earl Grey black tea, with bergamot, a hint of lemon and orange blossom. So, which one will you start with?