Tea with Maramie - Tea with Salvia officinalis

Tea with Maramieh – An Aromatic Elixir

Tea with maramieh, also known as sage tea, is a beloved beverage with a unique aroma, deeply rooted in the culinary culture of the Mediterranean regions. This drink is not only comforting but also packed with health benefits, making it an ideal choice for relaxation moments. In this detailed guide, I will show you how to prepare this wonderful tea, the necessary steps, and some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Infusion time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 2

Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of dried sage leaves (maramieh)
- 500 ml of water
- Sugar to taste (optional)

About Sage (Maramieh)
Salvia officinalis, or sage, is an aromatic plant with a fascinating history. Since ancient times, it has been valued for its therapeutic properties and unique flavor. Its name comes from the Latin word "salvere," meaning "to save," referring to its power to treat various ailments. Throughout history, sage has been associated with purification and protection rituals.

According to legends, the Virgin Mary was hidden by Herod's soldiers in sage bushes, thus becoming a symbol of protection and healing in popular culture. Sage has been used in various traditions, from cooking to applications in natural medicine.

Nutritional Benefits
Sage tea is not only a delicious choice but also a healthy one. Here are some of its benefits:
- Antioxidant: Helps combat free radicals in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation and pain.
- Digestive: Promotes digestion and helps alleviate abdominal discomfort.
- Calming: Has relaxing effects, making it ideal for stressful moments.

Preparation Technique
Step by step, I will guide you in preparing this aromatic tea:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have dried sage leaves, fresh water, and sugar if you wish to sweeten the tea. If you don't have dried leaves, you can buy them from health stores or online.

2. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring 500 ml of water to a boil. It is important not to boil the sage leaves, as this may make them bitter. So, be ready to pour the boiling water over the leaves.

3. Infusing the leaves: Once the water has boiled, remove the pot from the heat and add the 2 tablespoons of dried sage leaves. Cover the pot and let it steep for 5 minutes. This time allows the flavors to unfold and blend harmoniously.

4. Straining the tea: After the 5 minutes of infusion, strain the tea into a glass or mug using a fine sieve to remove the leaves.

5. Sweetening (optional): Add sugar to taste. I recommend starting with a teaspoon and adjusting according to your preferences. Alternatively, you can use honey for a more natural flavor.

6. Serving: Maramieh tea is best enjoyed hot, but it can also be consumed cold during the summer. It pairs wonderfully with pastries or Arabic cookies. Serve it in a beautiful cup and savor it during a relaxing chat with friends.

Variations and Suggestions
If you want to experiment with flavors, here are a few suggestions:
- Adding lemon: A slice of lemon added to the hot tea will provide a fresh and invigorating contrast.
- Sage tea with mint: Mix sage leaves with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing drink, perfect for warm days.
- Spiced tea: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a few cloves to bring extra warmth and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Does sage tea have contraindications? People with hormonal conditions should consult a doctor before consuming sage in large quantities, as it may have estrogenic effects.
- Can I use fresh sage leaves? Yes, fresh sage leaves are excellent! Use about 6-8 fresh leaves in a cup of water.

Conclusion
Tea with maramieh is more than just an aromatic drink; it is a potion full of history, tradition, and health benefits. Its preparation is simple and quick, and the result will delight your senses. Start experimenting with this recipe and discover the joy of sage tea in every sip. Enjoy!