Tea is no longer just for sipping. Whilst it is predominantly still considered an afternoon beverage or a great beverage to start your day with, it actually has far more uses than you could’ve imagined and has become an integral part of a large percentage of the population’s daily routine. 

Go beyond the tea, mixed with milk and sugar concoction and you find that you may want to pick up some of these tea habits as well! 

1. Ice-cream!

We all love our multitudes of flavours of ice cream, but did you know that Dessert guru Jacques Torres takes things one step further by flavouring ice cream with Earl Grey tea and serving it between decadent chocolate chip cookies? Well, it’s a must-try – and hey, maybe you can replicate this recipe at home.!

2. Smoke meats/ blend a barbecue rub/ marinate chicken

Smoking meats with black tea gives the meat a soft, smokey flavour. Wondering how to? Line a flameproof roasting tin with a sheet of foil and top it with tea leaves, rice and sugar. Drizzle with cooking oil. Lightly cover the tin with a perforated sheet of foil. Place inside a hot oven till the leaves begin to smoke. This technique 

Or if you’re really into your barbecue try adding 1½ cups of your finest tea leaves, 1/4 cup sea salt, 1/4 cup red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup chipotle chile powder, 1/4 cup dehydrated garlic or regular garlic powder, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper and 2 tablespoons five-spice powder.

Add a little tea to your marination sauce too the next time you’re thinking of doing a roast chicken.

3. Flavouring  tofu

Try topping your fried tofu cubes with roasted green tea for a little zest and refreshing flavour. You can do the same with your boiled veg and fried mushrooms.

4. Make a punch!

Think of it as making your own personalised cocktail. If you’re a tea lover, all you have to do is add tea – sparingly and taste it during the process. 

This also works great with mimosas – all you have to do is add pomegranate or raspberry tea with bubbly and orange juice for a magnificent mimosa.

5. Give your ice some refreshing flavour

Opt for iced tea with tea ice cubes. Simply freeze a batch of brewed tea in the ice cube trays and you’ll never have a watered-down brew all summer long. Even better, add some mint leaves to the trays for a refreshing twist.

6. Hydrate your skin

For a hydrating bath, add 3 teaspoons of tea leaves to hot bath water and allow it to “brew” for 5 minutes. Before taking a dip, adjust the temperature of the tub by adding more cold water. Then, just relax and enjoy.

7. Fresh breath

The antiseptic and analgesic properties of peppermint create an effective and soothing mouthwash. Here’s how to make a Peppermint Tea Mouthwash: Boil 1 tablespoon of fresh peppermint leaves and 1 cup of water. Leave for 15 minutes. Add 2 pinches of salt. Swish the warm liquid inside your mouth for up to one [01] minute.

8. Wash your hair or even condition!

How to do this at home? It’s simple! Steep 1 green tea bag in 1 cup of hot water for 25 minutes; cool. Mix tea water, 1 cup Castile soap and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil, like lavender or rose, for fragrance.

Now time for the conditioner. Here is what you do: steep 2 green tea bags in 1 cup of hot water. Cool and add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well and apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes and rinse well.

9. Reduce under-eye bags

This one is no shocker for most. Apply warm, damp tea bags over your closed eyes for 20 minutes.

10. Get rid of those wrinkles! 
11. Green tea has replenishing properties — whether you’re drinking it or letting it absorb into your skin, you’re getting benefits. 

12. Relieve insect bite pain

Apply wet tea bags to the affected area for soothing relief.

13. Miracle aid for an upset stomach!

Herbal teas, in particular chamomile, can be good for people with irritable bowel syndrome because it is antispasmodic. Ginger tea on the other hand is used to help with the feeling of nausea.

14. Potpourri

Placing scented tea leaves in small containers to add fragrance to a room is a great and cost-effective idea. DIY home decor plans are coming your way!

15. Pot plants

Place used tea bags at the bottom of the pot before adding soil. The teabags hold moisture and provide nutrients to the roots – and acts as a natural fertiliser.

Want to know what more tea can do for you?

Visit www.unicomtea.com for more information!