Japanese Plum Leaf Tea Recipe [VIDEO]

Japanese Plums (Loquats) are plentiful around our area, and tea made from the Japanese Plum leaf is delicious! In addition, some people claim that there are health benefits from drinking the tea. I drink it because 1) it's free, and 2) it's easy!

If you don't have a Japanese Plum tree, look around an older neighborhood or farmhouse, and ask the owner if you can pick a few from the tree. Try to pick the younger leaves, but any size or age leaf will make decent tea.

Here's my recipe:

• 2 4-inch leaves (or 4 2-inch leaves, or 1 8-inch leaf, etc)
• 2 cups water

Wash the leaves with cool water, then take a knife and, while the leaves are still wet, scrape the "fuzz" from the underside of the leaves. Rinse the leaves after scraping.

Cut the leaves in strips about 1/8" wide, discarding the main vein/stem of the leaves. Place the strips in a saucepan, add water, and bring to a full boil. Reduce heat to a slow boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain, enjoy!

I add honey and lemon and drink it hot or cold.