How to make a cold infusion

What is a cold infusion?

A cold infusion is best for steeping very delicate fresh flowers, like chamomile, or delicate leaves, like peppermint and other herbs that infuse well when cold, such as those high in mucilage, like marshmallow root.

How can I make a cold infusion?

The ratio used for cold infusions is one part of herb, steeped in six parts of water.

A cold infusion example: 1:20

• 25g Marshmallow root
• 500ml Cold water

Which herbs can I use to make a cold infusion?

Here are some of our favourite herbs to use to make a cold infusion:

How do I make a cold infusion?

Ingredients

• 25g Herb of choice
• 500ml Cold water

Equipment

• Kilner jar
• Sieve
• Muslin cloth (optional)

Method

• Fill a kilner jar with cold water.
• Cut up the herbs (or cut into a muslin cloth and tie a knot to close it.)
• Place the herbs in the jar of water or add the herbs in the cloth and leave it to float at the top.
• Cover and shake well.
• Label and date your infusion.
• Leave to steep for 12 hours.
• Strain your infusion and store in a labelled jar in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Drink up to 3 cups a day.

Helpful Hints

• This can be made as a ‘sun’ tea by infusing in a glass jar in sunlight for a few hours, or overnight when the cooling lunar energy is at its peak. Diuretics and acid-relieving herbs are often made overnight like this, such as fennel seed, coriander seed and marshmallow root and leaf.