Black Currant Tea Recipe
This black currant tea recipe can be used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, dry eyes, joint pain and high blood pressure. Black currants, black currant tea and black currant seed oil have many medicinal properties, they are also a popular ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics. They are known for their anti–inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), also known as black currant or cassis, is a deciduous shrub in the family Grossulariaceae (or Ribes) grown for its edible berries. The plant is now cultivated commercially and domestically for its tart, nutrient–dense berries. The berries have a tart taste and can be eaten raw or used to make flavorful jams, jellies and juices. Before ingesting black currants or their tea, first read through all the precautions.
The Health Benefits of Black Currants
The many health benefits associated with black currants include lowering cholesterol, relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and easing insomnia, among others. The oil from blackcurrant seeds contains many active compounds, such as vitamin C, phenolic acids, quercetin, and anthocyanins. These provide multiple health benefits like cancer prevention, promoting heart health and treating inflammatory conditions.
Read more about black currants in our post the health and beauty benefits of black currant seed oil or download our PDF on the black currant seed oil health and beauty benefits. If you like this black currant tea recipe, check out our other recipes for a black currant and lavender pie, a black currant chia nourish shake and black currant jam.
Black currants can definitely be considered a superfood. Black currants may be available in some grocery stores as well as online. Beware black currants differ from “Zante” currants, which are dried black Corinth grapes. To optimize the benefits, combine black currants with foods rich in omega–3 fatty acids like fish oil, chia seeds or egg yolks, in order to get both omega–3 and omega–6 fatty acids.
How to Make Black Currant Tea
A sweet earthy tea that is rich in antioxidants.
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Steeping Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. blackcurrant leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp. dried blackcurrants
- 2 cups water filtered or distilled
Tools
- tea strainer
- teapot or kettle
Instructions
- Put 2 teaspoons of chopped blackcurrant leaves or a teaspoon of the dried fruits in a teapot.
- Add hot water to the teapot and allow it to steep for 3–4 minutes.
- Strain the tea leaves and enjoy, adding honey as necessary, for flavor.
The Nutritional Value of Black Currants
Black currants are nutrient–dense foods, meaning they are low in calories but contain many important nutrients. These small berries are a rich source of vitamin C, packing more than 3 times the amount of ascorbic acid you need into less than a one–cup serving. These berries also boast high levels of B vitamins, such as thiamin and pantothenic acid.
| 3.5 oz. (100 g) of European black currants, raw | ||
| Energy | 264 kJ (63 kcal) | |
| Carbohydrates | 15.4 g | |
| Fat | 0.4 g | |
| Protein | 1.4 g | |
| Vitamins | Quantity | % DV† |
| Vitamin A (beta–carotene) | 229.78 IU | 0.08% |
| Vitamin B1(thiamine) | 0.05 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.05 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B3 (niacin) | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0.398 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0.066 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | 181 mg | 201% |
| Vitamin E (alpha–tocopherol) | 1 mg | 7% |
| Minerals | Quantity | % DV† |
| Calcium (Ca) | 55 mg | 4% |
| Iron (Fe) | 1.54 mg | 9% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 24 mg | 6% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.256 mg | 11% |
| Phosphorus (P) | 59 mg | 5% |
| Potassium (K) | 322 mg | 11% |
| Sodium (Na) | 2 mg | 0% |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.27 mg | 2% |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.09 mg | |
| Other constituents | Quantity | |
| Water | 82 g | |
| Ash | 0.86 g | |
| Source: USDA Database | ||
Precautions
Excess consumption of black currants or black currant seed oil may also cause side effects in some individuals, including complications of pregnancy, gastrointestinal distress, bleeding problems, inflammation, gas, headaches and diarrhea. Always consult with a healthcare professional before eating black currants or using black currant seed oil if you’re taking medications or have preexisting health conditions.
Drinking black currant tea in excess can result in a number of side effects, such as the following: complications of pregnancy, difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal problems and potential bleeding disorders.
Drug Interactions
If you are currently taking any medications or have any ongoing health issues, speak with your doctor before eating black currants or using black currant seed oil. Also speak with your doctor first before using this oil topically or internally if you are pregnant or nursing.
Those who are taking phenothiazines, a class of anti–psychotic medications, should not ingest black currants or black currant seed oil as it may increase the risk of seizure.
Additionally, black currants and black currant seed oil have antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties, which may slow blood clotting. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking a medication for blood clotting, such as Warfarin, consult with your physician first before ingesting black currants or black currant seed oil. Do not ingest black currants or black currant seed oil prior to surgery as it may increase bleeding risk.
Sources:
Blackcurrant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackcurrant
9 Amazing Benefits Of Black Currant Tea
https://www.organicfacts.net/black-currant-tea.html
by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated – July 13, 2020