Gowings Famous Beet Top Tea

This recipe is one of my staple food as medicine must haves. It is so easy to make and so very good for you. The rich, red colour of this tea helps to tonify the blood and cleanse the liver. Because beets have strong detoxifying properties, as they are high in chlorine, this little tonic will assist in the cleansing of the liver, kidneys and bloodstream. It is also rich in potassium which may help to balance the metabolism.

Jane Grigson, the famous authority of all things green and vegie, once referred to beets as a “bossy” vegetable, due to their powerful colour, which may permeate all corners of the kitchen.  Yet it’s not just the colour that holds power, their healing properties are mighty and when combined with culinary flair, may provide superb warming menu ideas.

Sam’s beet top tea

1 bunch beetroot leaves, very well rinsed
2 stalks lemon grass, tied in a knot to release flavour
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Juice of 1 lemon or lime

1. Remove the leaves from the beets and rinse
2. Place the leaves in a large pot and cover with about 750ml cold water
3. Add lemongrass and ginger and simmer gently for 20 minutes
4. Allow to cool slightly, strain and enjoy with a squeeze of lemon or lime

The image below was shot on location at Kahanda Kanda Galle, Sri Lanka as part of a wellness menu I created for George Cooper’s stunning boutique villas. This photograph was taken by Scottish photographer Jenny Collins. All rights reserved.

The Mighty Microbiome