Apricot Tea: Properties and How to Brew It

Apricot tea is a fruity drink made with dried apricot slices. Its flavor varies according to how much apricot is used and how long it is steeped. Dried fruit slices are steeped to make apricot tea. After steeping, the dried apricot slices can be added to yogurt or muesli. Dried apricots give the tea a fruity flavor, and the steeping time affects its intensity. This is a tea prepared in the kitchen; consult a doctor before making dietary changes in response to health concerns.

How to brew apricot tea

Apricot tea is usually made with dried apricot slices. Do not use apricot pits or kernels in the tea; the amygdalin they contain turns into cyanide in the body. Add a few dried apricot slices to boiling water, cover, and steep for 10–15 minutes. The longer it steeps, the darker the tea becomes and the stronger its flavor. For a more intense flavor, steep it for up to 20 minutes. Strain the tea and serve it warm. Instead of discarding the strained apricot slices, add them to yogurt or muesli. If desired, add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a different layer of flavor; this is especially popular in winter.

How to choose and store dried apricots

When choosing dried apricots for tea, look for natural, unsulfured fruit that is close to dark brown in color. Bright orange apricots have generally been treated with sulfur, which may cause sensitivity in some people. Apricots that remain slightly flexible when pressed by hand have retained their freshness; apricots that are rock-hard have been on the shelf for a long time. Dried apricots stay fresh for several months when stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard; they may grow mold if left in a damp place. If storing them in the refrigerator, use an airtight container and take care not to let moisture in each time you open the jar.

When and how should you drink apricot tea?

Apricot tea can be served in the morning or at lunch. Its flavor changes with the steeping time. Limiting intake to 1–2 cups a day is described as a reasonable approach. To serve it cold, steep and strain the tea, chill it in the refrigerator, then add ice for a refreshing drink. Sweetening it with honey is also common.

What should you keep in mind when drinking it?

Excessive consumption of apricot tea may stimulate the bowels and cause diarrhea, so avoid drinking more than the suggested amount. It is also known to cause reactions in people with allergies. People with chronic conditions such as asthma or shortness of breath are advised to consult a doctor before adding apricot tea to their diet. Although herbal teas are natural, they may not be suitable for everyone in the same way.