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Last Updated on January 17, 2024

I bet you never considered using carrot greens to make tea! Well, don’t toss the carrot tops, as you can brew them just like tea leaves and reap some great health benefits. Read on to learn how to make carrot leaf tea.

Carrot Leaf Tea

With so many different types of tea, carrot tea isn’t usually at the forefront of one’s mind. Carrot top tea is an herbal infusion made from the leaves of carrots. The end result is a mild-tasting tea loaded with vitamins and minerals that can give your immune system a boost.

So, instead of tossing the top of the carrot into the compost pile, add it to your mug and brew up some hot tea!

What Is Carrot Leaf Tea Good For?

We already know that this root vegetable touts a lot of benefits, and the tops do not dissapoint in that area either.

Carrot green tea is known for its potential antioxidant properties, which may help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, it may support digestion, boost immunity, and promote healthy skin.

Nutrition Information

There are several health benefits of carrot leaves, surpassing even the low-starch root vegetable itself! Within these leafy greens, you can find an impressive array of essential nutrients that work together to enhance blood condition and promote overall health.

The specific nutritional composition of carrot leaf tea may vary depending on factors such as preparation method and serving size. However, in general, carrot leaves are a good source of the folowing vitamins and minerals:

selenium
vitamins A and C
vitamin K
iodine
potassium
calcium
iron
ascorbic acid
chlorophyll

What Does Carrot Leaf Tea Taste Like?

When you use the leafy tops of carrots to make tea, it has a unique taste that is earthy and mildly sweet with subtle herbal notes. It is often described as refreshing and soothing.

Carrot Leaf Tea Ingredients

bunch carrot leaves
boiling water
optional add-ins: lemon, ginger, honey

You can drink this hot, which is how I prefer to drink tea, or you can add some ice for a refreshing iced tea.

How to Make Carrot Leaf Tea

Making carrot leaf tea is simple! You can print the recipe card at the bottom for full measurements and instructions.

You only need the carrot leaves and water. Here’s how to do it:

Harvest fresh carrot leaves: Choose young, tender leaves from organic carrots. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Prepare the leaves: Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into small pieces to release their flavors during steeping.
Boil water: Fill a pot with fresh water and bring it to a boil on your stovetop.
Add the carrot leaves: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the washed carrot leaves to the pot.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes: Reduce the heat to low and let the carrot leaves simmer in the hot water for about 10-15 minutes. This allows their beneficial compounds to infuse into the tea.
Strain and serve: After simmering, remove the pot from heat and strain out the carrot leaves using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the tea into cups and serve while it’s still warm.

How to Store Brewed Tea

To store carrot leaf tea, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container such as a glass jar or bottle. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Variations and Add-ins to Increase Benefits

To enhance the health benefits of carrot leaf tea, you can try adding other beneficial ingredients such as:

Lemon juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into your tea to add a burst of vitamin C and enhance its antioxidant properties.
Honey: Add a teaspoon of raw wildflower honey or another natural sweetener and additional antibacterial properties.
Ginger: Grate some fresh ginger root into your tea for added flavor and potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Combine with green tea: I enjoy blending my herbal teas with others I like. Green tea is a great, mild-tasting tea that goes nicely with carrot leaf tea.
Orange zest: Grab an orange peel and zest some of it into your carrot leaf tea to add some brightness to it.

Tips for Making Carrot Leaf Tea

Time of day matters: Drinking carrot leaf tea in the morning can help boost your metabolism and provide you with essential nutrients.
Use organic carrots: Be sure to choose organic carrots so you can avoid pesticides.
Add to smoothies: You can use carrot leaf tea to increase the health benefits of smoothies by adding a little liquid to your blend.

Drying Carrot Greens for Tea

To dry and store carrot leaves for tea, here is what you need to do:

Air drying: Spread out the cleaned leaves in a single layer on a clean surface, such as a drying rack or a piece of cheesecloth. Place them in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow the leaves to air dry for about 1-2 weeks, or until they become brittle and crumble easily when touched.
Oven drying: Preheat your oven to its lowest temperature setting (around 100-120°F or 38-49°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cleaned leaves in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly open to allow moisture to escape. Check on the leaves regularly and rotate them if needed. It may take around 2-4 hours for them to fully dry.

Storing Dried Carrot Tops for Tea

Once dried, carefully remove any remaining stems from the dried carrot leaves.
Store the dried carrot leaves in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Label the container with the date of drying to keep track of freshness.
When you’re ready to make tea, simply crush or crumble some dried carrot leaves and steep them in hot water using tea bags or a fine mesh strainer.

Potential Side Effects

While drinking carrot leaf tea is generally considered safe for most individuals when consumed in moderation, some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive discomfort. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new herbal tea into your diet.

Sources

Carrot Leaf Tea

Print Recipe

Author: My BIG FAT Grain Free Life

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 bunch carrot leaves
2 cups of water (boiling)
optional add-ins: lemon, ginger, honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Harvest fresh carrot leaves: Choose young, tender leaves from organic carrots. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Prepare the leaves: Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into small pieces to release their flavors during steeping.
Boil water: Fill a pot with fresh water and bring it to a boil on your stovetop.
Add the carrot leaves: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the washed carrot leaves to the pot.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes: Reduce the heat to low and let the carrot leaves simmer in the hot water for about 10-15 minutes. This allows their beneficial compounds to infuse into the tea.
Strain and serve: After simmering, remove the pot from heat and strain out the carrot leaves using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the tea into cups and serve while it’s still warm.