Green Tea Lemon Ginger Chews Recipe

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these homemade green tea lemon ginger chews—because why just sip your tea when you can savor it in chewy, zesty bites that’ll have you feeling wholesome and refreshed! Let’s dive into this culinary adventure, shall we?

It is a joy for me to create recipes that meld health benefits with delightful flavors. My chews of Green Tea Lemon Ginger are a prime example.

They mix nice, soothing green tea and ginger (so good for your tummy), with the natural sweetness of honey. Fresh lemon juice adds a nice hit of vitamin C, and a pinch of turmeric gives them some anti-inflammatory boom.

Ingredients

• Honey: Natural sweetener full of antioxidants; boosts immunity.
• Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, supports metabolism.
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and aids digestion.
• Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, enhances flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Adds a citrusy aroma and a tangy kick.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, known for anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon green tea leaves or 1 green tea bag
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional)
• Pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. In a small saucepan, mix the honey and water. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue heating until the mixture is combined and begins to simmer gently. This should take about 5 minutes.

2. Put the green tea leaves or green tea bag into the saucepan. Let the tea steep in the honey mixture for about 5 minutes, keeping it at a gentle simmer.

3. Take out the tea bag or filter out the tea leaves.

4. Incorporate the ingredients finely grated fresh ginger, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and ground turmeric (if using) into a pinch of salt. It is important to mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are combined.

5. Maintain the cooking of the blend at a steady medium-low heat, and keep it moving around the pot so it doesn’t scorch. You’re looking for a temperature in the neighborhood of 270°F/132°C and the soft crack stage of candy making! But you can also just check to see if it’s slightly thickened and reduced some. Which it has. Pay attention and don’t let it break, ya know?

6. Prepare a small baking sheet or plate with parchment paper.

7. When the mixture reaches the desired consistency, carefully pour it onto the prepared parchment paper.

8. Let the mixture cool a little so that it is merely warm to the touch, yet still flexible.

9. With a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the mixture into small squares or shapes of your choice.

10. Allow the chews to cool completely before you store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Now enjoy your very own homemade green tea lemon ginger chews!

Equipment Needed

1. Small saucepan
2. Spoon (for stirring)
3. Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
4. Grater (for zesting and grating ginger)
5. Knife or kitchen scissors
6. Baking sheet or plate
7. Parchment paper
8. Cooking thermometer (optional)

FAQ

• Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?Indeed, you can replace honey with either maple syrup or agave syrup, but this may cause a slight alteration in flavor.
• How do I store Green Tea Lemon Ginger Chews?Store the chews in an airtight room-temperature container for up to two weeks to maintain their freshness.
• Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?Ginger, in its freshest form, provides the most intense flavor, but if you cannot get fresh ginger, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
• Can I omit the turmeric?The turmeric is optional and mainly serves to confer additional health benefits and color, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
• What kind of green tea should I use?Choose a high-quality green tea, preferably with a mild flavor. This tea can be either in the form of loose leaves or tea bags. The tea’s subtle taste allows the ginger and lemon to shine through while still providing a satisfying base for the drink.
• Can these chews be made vegan?To make the chews suitable for a vegan diet, substitute the honey for the following:

  – maple syrup
  – agave syrup

  Both maple syrup and agave syrup are vegan-friendly sweeteners. They can not only substitute for honey but can also lend their own distinctive flavors to the chews.

• Is the salt necessary?Salt boosts flavor, but if you’re trying to lower your sodium intake, feel free to leave it out.

Green Tea Lemon Ginger Chews Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1/4 cup water: Substitute with 1/4 cup coconut water for an understated hint of the tropics.
1 tablespoon of green tea leaves or 1 tea bag: Substitute with 1 tablespoon of matcha powder for a bolder green tea flavor.
1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated and finely chopped: You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, although the flavor will be slightly less vibrant.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Substitute with 1 tablespoon lime juice for a different citrus note.
Lemon zest: Substitute lime zest for an unexpected twist.

Pro Tips

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients Opt for high-quality honey and organic green tea to enhance the flavor and health benefits of your chews. Fresh, premium ingredients will make a noticeable difference in taste.

2. Grate Ginger Finely To ensure the ginger flavor is well-distributed, grate it as finely as possible. This will help integrate the ginger into the mixture evenly, preventing any large chunks.

3. Monitor Temperature Carefully Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. Reaching the correct temperature (around 270°F/132°C) is crucial for the right consistency. If you don’t reach soft crack stage, the chews might end up too soft.

4. Prevent Sticking Before pouring the mixture, lightly oil the parchment paper with a neutral oil or non-stick spray. This will make it easier to remove the chews without sticking.

5. Experiment with Additions Consider adding other spices such as cinnamon or cardamom for additional flavor complexity. These spices complement the existing ingredients nicely and can add an extra layer of warmth to the chews.