Saffron Chamomile Bubble Tea

Name: Saffron Chamomile Bubble Tea
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3-4 teaspoons loose chamomile flowers(or 2 chamomile tea bags); 200 ml water for making tea; 1/3 teaspoon vanilla extract; 30 grams boba; 1 litre water for cooking boba pearls; 1-2 teaspoons honey; 15 ml half and half or coffee creamer (1 tablespoon); saffron ice; regular ice; 1-3 threads saffron (depending on the length); 150 ml water (or depending on the ice mould)

Looking for a relaxing boba? Look no further. This Saffron Chamomile Bubble Tea is flavourful, pretty, super easy to make and contains no caffeine. Both chamomile and saffron may offer calming and relaxing properties, which make this boba a perfect afternoon treat.

Why Saffron and Chamomil Bubble Tea?

Chamomile has long been one of the most popular herbal teas around the world. With a delicious light floral honey-like flavour and potential soothing and calming properties, it's a must have tisane for any season [1]. Even though this tisane is extremely popular, it's rarely used for making boba teas. This boba with benefits recipe will definitely change how you feel about chamomile. In fact, it'll make you change how you feel about boba tea too.

And why saffron? Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a luxurious spice with a very strong flavour and range of uses. One of its most prominent benefits is the potential anxiolytic effect [2]. Together, these two ingredients not only taste delicious, but make for a perfect sleepy time boba that you can do in a matter of minute.

Ingredients for Making Saffron Chamomile Bubble Tea

Chamomile – if possible, choose loose chamomile tea. Loose flowers will taste amazing, with a more refined, complex note. If you don't have loose chamomile tea, you can choose chamomile tea bags too.

Saffron – choose real saffron, rather than safflower. Safflower is a completely different ingredient and won't offer the same flavour. Add only a tiny bit, as saffron has a really intense flavour.

Honey – honey is a perfect sweetener for this sleepy time boba tea. Not only will it taste better than regular granulated sugar, but it may actually offer some anti-anxiety benefits too[3].

Brown sugar boba – brown sugar boba is a perfect choice for this tea. Cook them per instructions on the packaging. You can cook them beforehand, coat in honey and store in the fridge for a couple of days. Heat them up in a microwave for 30-45 seconds before use.

Milky ingredient – the best milky ingredient for this boba tea is a coffee creamer with a higher percentage of fat or half and half. You'll only need one tablespoon.

Vanilla extract – vanilla extract is an optional ingredient. Use only 1/3 to ½ teaspoon per serving. It will add a delicious light vanilla note that goes well with both chamomile and saffron.

2 Ways of Adding Saffron to This Sleepy Time Boba

You can use saffron in two ways. The first ways is to steep saffron together with chamomile flowers. The second way is making a saffron ice and adding it while assembling the drink. Saffron ice will make this drink visually really appealing and it's very easy to make. Steep saffron in boiling water for 10 minutes, pour into ice moulds and freeze. Whichever way you choose, use only a tiny amount. The part of saffron flower that's used as a spice is called stigma and looks like a thin red thread. You'll only need 1/2-2 for steeping or 1-3 for making saffron ice, depending on how long they are. When adding ice to your boba tea, mix it with plain ice to adjust the strength.

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