Organic Green Tea with Raw Honey & Ginseng Concentrate
Arizona Green Tea contains high fructose corn syrup (linked to metabolic issues) and vague 'natural flavors' that could be synthetic. This organic version eliminates processed sugars and artificial additives, using raw honey and real ginseng extract for clean energy and antioxidant benefits.
Based on: Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey
· Makes approximately 40 servings
· Serving: 8 fl oz (240mL)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng and Honey from Arizona often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Ingredients
Organic Green Tea
85g (about 3/4 cup loose tea) · Frontier Co-op Organic Gunpowder Green Tea (1 lb bulk)
Provides antioxidant catechins and natural caffeine for energy and health benefits
Natural preservative and tartness enhancer that balances sweetness and extends shelf life
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare strong tea concentrate: Bring 4 cups (960ml) of filtered water to 175°F (80°C) — not boiling, as this will make the tea bitter. Add 85g loose organic green tea and steep for exactly 6 minutes. This longer steeping creates a concentrate strong enough to maintain flavor when diluted. Strain through fine mesh strainer, pressing tea leaves gently to extract maximum flavor without releasing tannins that cause bitterness.
Step 2. Create honey simple syrup: While tea is still warm (around 140°F), slowly whisk in 680g raw organic honey until completely dissolved. The warm temperature helps honey incorporate smoothly without destroying beneficial enzymes. Whisk vigorously for 2-3 minutes to ensure no honey settles at bottom — concentrated honey can crystallize if not fully dissolved.
Step 3. Add functional ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 8g ginseng extract powder with 2 tablespoons of the warm tea mixture to create a smooth paste — this prevents clumping. Whisk this paste back into the tea concentrate. Add 4g organic citric acid and whisk for 1 minute until fully dissolved. The citric acid will brighten the flavor and act as a natural preservative.
Step 4. Cool and test flavor: Allow concentrate to cool to room temperature, then taste. The concentrate should be quite sweet and strong — remember it will be diluted 1:1 with water when served. If too sweet, add 1/2 teaspoon more citric acid. If not sweet enough, add honey 1 tablespoon at a time. The finished concentrate should taste like a very concentrated version of the commercial product.
Step 5. Storage and serving: Pour concentrate into clean glass bottles or mason jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks. To serve: Mix 4 fl oz (1/2 cup) concentrate with 4 fl oz cold water or sparkling water over ice. Stir well before each use as natural ingredients may separate. For best flavor, shake concentrate before each use and let diluted drink sit 30 seconds before drinking to allow flavors to meld.
Storage
Store concentrate in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Natural separation is normal - shake before use. Do not freeze as honey will crystallize. If crystallization occurs, warm gently in warm water bath and stir until smooth.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.12
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.43
Savings72%
High upfront cost due to buying organic ingredients in bulk, but massive long-term savings. The ginseng and citric acid will last for months of batches. After initial purchase, ongoing cost per batch drops to under $2.00.