Apple Tea
A reddish, sweet-tart hot drink powder made by mixing dried apple pieces, apple flavoring, and sugar. One of the drinks most familiar to tourists visiting Turkey.
What Is Apple Tea?
Apple tea is a Turkish beverage powder generally made by mixing dried/powdered apple extract, apple flavoring, citric acid, and sugar, dissolved and drunk in hot water. It is known for its reddish-orange color and sweet-sour taste.
It has become one of the most recognized and most purchased-as-a-gift beverages among foreign tourists visiting Turkey; it is especially commonly served in tea gardens and tourist areas.
Nutritional Values of Apple Tea
100 grams of apple tea powder contains approximately 380 kcal of energy; it comes largely from added sugar. Values vary by brand and are approximate.
How Should Apple Tea Be Consumed?
Apple tea is consumed as part of a balanced diet, in measured amounts due to its intense sugar content.
This information is general; apple tea is a beverage and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Those monitoring their blood sugar are advised to consume it in moderation.
How to Choose Apple Tea?
A good apple tea is one with a reddish-orange color, a distinct apple aroma, and a free-flowing, non-clumped powder. Products containing real dried apple pieces are a more natural alternative.
- Color should be reddish-orange, vivid
- Aroma should be distinctly apple flavored
- Powder should be free-flowing, not clumped
How to Store Apple Tea?
Apple tea powder is stored in a dry, closed container in a cool place; absorbing moisture can lead to clumping.
Using Apple Tea in the Kitchen
Apple tea is most often mixed with hot water and drunk directly; it can also be served cold and prepared as a summer beverage.
How to Make Natural Apple Tea?
Dried apple slices (optionally with cinnamon) are steeped in boiling water for a few minutes and strained to prepare an additive-free, natural version of apple tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apple tea real tea?
No; it contains no tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and is generally a beverage powder made of apple flavoring and sugar. The word "tea" is used generically in Turkish for hot brewed beverages.
Does apple tea contain caffeine?
No; standard instant apple tea powder contains no caffeine.
Is apple tea found all over Turkey?
Yes; found in abundant variety in almost every market and especially in souvenir shops in tourist areas.