Koporsky Tea. Final Stage

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

In the previous article, we learned how to dry, grind, ferment the leaves of fireweed, which is the basis of Koporye tea. We will continue to bring the raw materials to the desired state further

The next step is the drying of the fermented material.

Drying

In the old days, the Russian stove was a universal dryer. Thanks to the optimal temperature and special structure, the raw materials never burned. During the process, the wondrous aroma of the future drink spread around the hut.

In modern conditions, both electric and gas ovens are used. The leaves are laid out in a thin layer, no more than 1 cm, on parchment laid on a baking sheet. The temperature is maintained at 50 degrees. The door is slightly opened. Stir the mass periodically. Flip the pallets on different sides. Achieve complete drying of the sheet. It becomes similar in color to factory tea bags. We take it out of the oven, let it cool at room temperature.

We transfer to a linen bag. We hang in the shade for several days to remove residual moisture. If the mass is poorly dried, then mold will form over time. This is absolutely not allowed. The musty smell will add bitterness, destroy the aroma of the final product.

Storage

Ready tea is transferred to a sealed container. The best container for long-term storage is glass jars with nylon lids. In the old days, birch bark tuyesques were used, made of environmentally friendly material - birch bark.

For daily use, it is more convenient to use plastic containers or iron cans from factory tea. Choose the darkest storage place. Do not allow sunlight to enter the finished product.

Fireweed has an amazing property: the more time passes from the date of tea production, the better it tastes. Within a month, the natural ripening process (dry fermentation) takes place. Additional aroma appears.

Preparing a drink

It seems what is easier, I poured tea leaves into the kettle, poured boiling water and the tea is ready. A high-quality drink is obtained only using a certain technology.

Prepare 2 teapots: one large, the other smaller. A small one is poured over with boiling water, fireweed leaves are poured at the rate of 1 teaspoon per mug. Pour hot water, wrap with a towel. Insist 10 minutes. The finished drink is poured into a preheated large kettle. Immediately add a new portion of boiling water to the remaining tea leaves, wrap it up. After 15 minutes, pour the finished drink into a large kettle, mixing the first and second fractions.

Some experts recommend repeating this procedure up to 4 times. The last portion is insisted for no more than 3 minutes. This achieves a gradual release of beneficial ingredients from the herb, including hanerol, which prevents the appearance of malignant tumors. With each new portion, the tea becomes tastier, more aromatic and healthier.

Do not reuse the same tea leaves the next day. There will be no benefit from it. Better to brew a new one, enjoying fresh, aromatic tea daily.

If desired, add additional ingredients: pieces of dried fruits, linden flowers, mint leaves, lemon balm, oregano, raspberries, strawberries and other herbs. This gives the drink a special flavor. Each time the tea will be different from the previous one.

If desired, use fireweed flowers. They have a honey scent. They are harvested in the phase of partial blooming to prevent ripening during drying and the formation of fluffy seeds.

You can experiment endlessly with additives. The result is a drink “worthy of kings”. Sitting at a large table with the whole family, you will enjoy "branded" tea of your own production, be charged with optimism, and gain good health. Personal work and positive emotions will create a truly beneficial "masterpiece" for the longevity of relatives and friends.