Fruit tea is a generic term for tea that has been made, or has been infused with fruit juices. Orange and apple juices are popular choices for making fruit tea, although just about any fruit juice can be used. The choice of fruit is limited only by the drinker's discretion.
The taste of fruit tea varies between each type of infusion, but generally has a refreshing taste.
Many fruit teas are made in tropical islands, where there is a large selection of fruits. Fruit tea is drunk cold.
Preparing fruit tea
Fruit tea is usually made in multiple servings. Usually 4-6 servings are made.
An easy way to prepare fruit tea is firstly brew the equivalent of 2-3 cups of tea, and then allows the tea to cool in a glass or glazed pitcher. Plastic and metal pitchers are not recommended because they may pass on undesirable flavors.
While the tea is cooling, make 2-4 cups of fruit juice either by manually squeezing fruit, or through a fruit juicer.
When the tea is cooled, pour the juice into the tea and mix well. The tea should be allowed to chill for several hours before serving.
Fruit tea can be topped with slices of fruit or ice.
Health warnings on fruit tea
The majority of fruit tea is safe for consumption, but care should be taken with Fruit Tea made from tropical fruits such as custard apple and pawpaw.
Fruit tea made from custard apple or pawpaw can inflict a disease similar to Parkinson's Disease. The symptoms were often as deadly as the progressive brain disorder, but the age of onset is lower and the disease is resistant to standard Parkinson's Disease treatments.
According to one study, fruit tea made from these fruits contains a toxin that is poisonous to the human nervous system. The fruits contain a natural insecticide that can cause nerve damage.
Examples of symptoms caused by the disease include tremors, rigidity and balance problems.
