Easy Chia Seed Tea Recipe – Black Tea, Honey & Lemon Refreshment

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Chia Seed Tea Recipe – Black Tea, Honey & Lemon Refreshment

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, healthy, and super refreshing drink. Especially with the Indian summers getting more intense each year! This chia seed tea is exactly that – a delightful blend of black tea, a touch of sweetness from honey, a zing of lemon, and the goodness of chia seeds. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was trying to find a way to sneak more superfoods into my diet, and honestly, it’s become a daily staple. Let’s get brewing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another tea recipe. It’s a little powerhouse of goodness! It’s incredibly easy to make, taking just about 10 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a guilt-free pleasure. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a hot afternoon, or even a cozy comfort drink when the weather cools down.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing tea:

• 2 cups water (approx. 480ml)
• 1.5 teaspoon black tea leaves (approx. 7.5ml)
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds (approx. 10ml)
• 1 teaspoon honey (approx. 5ml)
• ?? teaspoon lemon extract (adjust to taste – start with ½ tsp/2.5ml)
• 3-4 chopped mint leaves (optional, for extra freshness)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are nutritional superstars! They’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They also create a lovely, slightly gel-like texture in the tea as they swell.
• Black Tea: I prefer a robust Assam tea for this recipe, as its strong flavour holds up well against the other ingredients. But feel free to experiment! Darjeeling or even a Ceylon tea would work beautifully. If you’re looking for something with a bit more spice, try a Masala Chai blend – it adds a lovely warmth.
• Honey: The type of honey you use can really change the flavour profile. I love using wildflower honey for its delicate floral notes. If you can get your hands on some local honey, even better! Different regions in India produce honey with unique flavours – Kashmiri honey is particularly fragrant, while honey from the Sundarbans has a distinct earthy taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some tea! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, add your 1.5 teaspoons of black tea leaves.
2. Now, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. This allows the tea to brew properly and release all its lovely flavour.
3. Time to strain! Pour the brewed tea into your favourite mugs or a jug. Let it cool down slightly – you don’t want to add the chia seeds to boiling hot liquid.
4. Add the 2 teaspoons of chia seeds, 1 teaspoon of honey, and your lemon extract (start with a little and add more to taste!). If you’re using mint, toss those in too.
5. Give everything a good stir to make sure the honey dissolves.
6. Now, the magic happens! Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. You’ll notice the chia seeds start to swell up, creating a slightly thicker texture.
7. Serve chilled or immediately. I personally love it chilled, especially on a hot day!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t over-boil the tea! Over-brewing can make it bitter.
• Stir well after adding the chia seeds to prevent them from clumping.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the tea with a hand blender after the chia seeds have swelled.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of ginger powder for an extra kick. Adjust the honey to your liking – some days I like it sweeter, some days I prefer it more tart.
• Vegan: Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. It works beautifully!
• Festival Adaptations – Summer Coolers: During the summer, I often make a big batch of this and add slices of cucumber and orange for a super refreshing cooler.
• Hot Tea Variation for Winter: In the winter, I enjoy this tea warm. Just skip the chilling step and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy flavour.

Serving Suggestions

This chia seed tea is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A light snack like a handful of nuts or some fruit.
• A slice of homemade biscuit or a small piece of cake.
• Simply enjoyed while relaxing with a good book!

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The chia seeds will continue to swell, so the texture might change slightly. Give it a good stir before drinking.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this tea suitable for weight loss? While this tea isn’t a magic weight loss solution, the chia seeds and black tea can certainly support a healthy lifestyle. Chia seeds are high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer, and black tea contains antioxidants that may boost metabolism.
• Can I use green tea instead of black tea? Absolutely! Green tea is a great alternative. It will give the tea a lighter, more delicate flavour.
• How long can I store chia seed tea in the refrigerator? As mentioned above, up to 24 hours is best.
• What are the health benefits of adding chia seeds to tea? Chia seeds are packed with nutrients! They’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and antioxidants.
• Can I add other flavors like ginger or cardamom? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favourite spices and flavours. Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and even a touch of vanilla extract would all be delicious additions.

Enjoy your tea! Let me know in the comments how you like it, and if you’ve tried any fun variations. Happy brewing!