At our final Mill City Cooks live chef demo of the year, local farmer and chef Xor McCray from Sun-Kissed Farm showed us how to make tea at home using fresh, local ingredients from our farmers. Enjoy this naturally sweet, refreshing pumpkin tea made with fresh pumpkin or squash. Serve it hot on a chilly day or cold for a refreshing drink!
Homemade Pumpkin Tea
By Xor McCray
Ingredients
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 small to medium pumpkin or squash of your choice
- Honey, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the water. Pour 1 gallon of water into a large pot and bring it to a boil.
- Add the pumpkin. Wash the pumpkin or squash, cut it into manageable pieces, and remove the seeds. Add the pumpkin pieces to the boiling water.
- Cook until soft. Reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is fully cooked and soft.
- Strain the tea. Carefully strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the pumpkin pieces and pulp. Keep the clear pumpkin broth.
- Sweeten to taste. Add honey if desired and stir well.
- Serve and enjoy! Drink warm or let the tea cool and serve over ice.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Tea
- For a sweeter flavor: Choose a naturally sweet pumpkin or squash.
- For extra flavor: Add a cinnamon stick or a few slices of fresh ginger while cooking.
- For a refreshing drink: Chill the tea in the refrigerator and serve cold.
- Reduce waste: Save the cooked pumpkin for soups, baking, or other recipes.
From our farm to your cup! Enjoy the comforting taste of pumpkin tea made with simple ingredients from nature.
