Gowings' Beet Top Tea

Jane Grigson, the famous authority of all things green and vego,  once referred to beets as a “bossy” vegetable, due to their powerful colour, which may permeate all corners of the kitchen.  Yet it’s not just the colour that holds power, their healing properties are mighty and when combined with culinary flair, may provide superb warming menu ideas. Beets have strong detoxifying properties, as they are high in chlorine which assists in the cleansing of the liver, kidneys and bloodstream. They are also rich in potassium which may help to balance the metabolism. The rich, red colour of this tea helps to tonify the blood and cleanse the liver.

__
1 bunch beetroot leaves, rinsed
2 stalks lemon grass, tied in a knot to release flavour
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
Juice of 1 lemon or lime

  • Remove the leaves from the beets and rinse
  • Place the leaves in a large pot and cover with about 750ml cold water
  • Add lemongrass and ginger and simmer gently for 20 minutes
  • Allow to cool slightly, strain and enjoy with a squeeze of lemon or lime