Olive Leaf Tea

What Is Olive Leaf Tea?

Olive leaf tea is an herbal tea made by drying and crushing the leaves of the olive tree and steeping them in hot water. It is a traditional drink known in the Mediterranean basin for centuries.

It is light greenish-yellow in color, with a mildly bitter, herbal note; this bitterness comes from a natural phenolic compound in the leaf called oleuropein.

Nutritional Values of Olive Leaf Tea

1 cup of brewed olive leaf tea contains approximately 2 kcal of energy. It is caffeine-free and contains polyphenolic compounds specific to olive leaves, such as oleuropein. Values vary according to steeping time and are approximate.

How Should Olive Leaf Tea Be Consumed?

Olive leaf tea is consumed in moderate amounts, like other herbal teas, as part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; olive leaf tea is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. People taking medication, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and people taking blood pressure medication are advised to consult their doctor before consuming it.

How to Choose Olive Leaf Tea

Good olive leaf tea is light green-gray in color, has a mildly herbal, fresh aroma, and has not absorbed moisture.

• It should be light green-gray, not darkened or moldy
• It should have a mildly herbal, fresh aroma, with no moldy smell
• The leaves should be broken, but not reduced to powder

How to Store Olive Leaf Tea

Dried olive leaves can be stored for several months in their sealed container in a dry, dark cupboard; keeping them away from light preserves their aroma.

Using Olive Leaf Tea in the Kitchen

Olive leaf tea is most often steeped in boiling water for a few minutes and drunk as is; it can be sweetened with honey or lemon if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can olive leaf tea be made at home?

Yes. Clean olive leaves can be dried in the shade, crumbled, and steeped in boiling water for a few minutes.

Can olive leaf tea be consumed every day?

Moderate consumption generally does not cause problems, but consulting a doctor is recommended regarding regular, high-volume consumption or medication interactions.

Is olive leaf tea available in Türkiye?

It is readily available at herbalist shops, spice shops, and stores that sell herbal teas; since Türkiye is an important olive-producing country, it is locally sourced.