How To Make Soursop Tea With Leaves? Step-by-Step Guide

Soursop leaves (Graviola/guanabana) come from the soursop tree, a tropical fruit tree known for its medicinal properties and commonly used to make soursop tea. This article will take you through a detailed step-by-step process to make soursop tea from leaves, including the benefits, ingredients, necessary equipment, and key considerations to ensure you brew the perfect cup of tea.

What are Soursop Tea Benefits?

Soursop tea is renowned for its numerous health benefits, specifically:
Rich in Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage [1]

• Boosts Immunity: Strengthens the immune system due to its high vitamin C content [2].
• Promotes Relaxation: It has calming effects that can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality [3].
• Aids Digestion: Supports a healthy digestive system [1].

Why is Soursop tea made from leaves?

Soursop leaves are used to make tea because they contain many beneficial compounds, including antioxidants, vitamins, and acetogenins [1]. These compounds are known for their potential to support immune function and possess anti-oxidant properties.

Therefore, recognizing these benefits of soursop leaves, people have used them to make teas that can treat various ailments naturally. This is an effective healthcare method that is also easy to implement.

How to Make Soursop Tea from Leaves

Ingredients

• 10-15 soursop leaves (fresh or dried)
• 1 liter of water (can adjust according to your needs or the amount of soursop leaves you have)
• Honey, lemon, sugar, dates, cinnamon, ginger, etc. (optional for added flavor)

Equipment you need to make soursop tea

• A pot or kettle
• A filter or sieve
• A teapot or heat-resistant container
• Cups/mugs for drinking

Comprehensive guide to making soursop tea

Prepare the Leaves:

• If using fresh leaves, wash them thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
• However, just rinse clean and avoid soaking the leaves in water, as this can make the fresh tea leaves absorb water and lose their nutrients.
• For dried leaves, just ensure the tea leaves are pre-cleaned before drying to avoid dirt. If you buy dried soursop leaves from outside, ensure they are washed before drying. If unsure, quickly rinse the dried soursop leaves with water.

Boil the Water:

• Pour 1 liter of water into a pot or kettle.
• Bring the water to a boil. Watch the pot to prevent water from boiling over or evaporating too much.

Add the Leaves:

• Once the water boils, add the prepared soursop leaves. For every liter of water, prepare about 10-15 soursop leaves. You will need a slightly larger amount of dried soursop leaves to achieve similar benefits, about 15-20 leaves per liter of water.
• Note: You can adjust the quantity according to your preference for a stronger or milder taste.
• Reduce the heat and let the leaves steep in the tea for 15-20 minutes.

Steep and Strain:

• After simmering, turn off the heat and let the tea steep for another 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
• Use a strainer or sieve to remove the leaves from the tea, pouring the liquid into a teapot or heat-resistant container.

Serve:

• Pour the tea into a cup or mug.
• Add ice, honey, or lemon if desired to enhance the flavor.

Alternative Method:

• Additionally, there is another way to make it: After thoroughly cleaning the soursop leaves, tear them into small pieces and put them in a pot with one liter of water over low heat. It is ready to use after about 20-35 minutes, or when the tea turns a reddish-brown color.

Things You Need to Consider When Making Tea from Soursop Leaves

To create a delicious and nutritious cup of tea that is also good for your health, consider the following factors:

• Quality of Leaves: Always use high-quality soursop leaves. Fresh leaves are preferred, but dried leaves can also be effective.
• Water Temperature: Avoid boiling the leaves for too long, as it can lead to a bitter taste. Simmering is key.
• Steeping Time: Ensure sufficient steeping time to extract the beneficial compounds from the leaves.
• Storage: Store unused soursop leaves in a cool, dry place to maintain potency.

What is the Best Way to Make Soursop Tea?

The best way to make soursop tea is to use fresh, organic leaves, boil them in water, and steep them for the recommended time. This method ensures you get the maximum health benefits and the best flavor.

Adding natural sweeteners like honey or lemon can enhance the taste, making the tea easier to drink without losing its health benefits. Sometimes, you can combine it with other ingredients to refresh the tea's flavor and make it more nutritious, such as cane sugar, dates, ginger, etc.

Can You Refrigerate the Soursop Tea?

You can refrigerate soursop tea. If you make a large batch, store the excess tea in a glass container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days. To enjoy the tea, you can serve it over ice or simply reheat it if you prefer it warm.

Conclusion

Making soursop tea from leaves is a simple yet effective way to enjoy this plant's numerous health benefits. Whether you prefer to make it from scratch or choose convenient soursop tea supplements, incorporating soursop tea into your daily routine can positively contribute to your health.