Stage 1: Prepare the Green Tea
Steep the green tea: In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of water to just below boiling. Add the green tea leaves (or tea bags) and let it steep for about 3-4 minutes. Remove the tea leaves or bags and set the tea aside to cool slightly.
Stage 2: Combine the Ingredients
Grate the ginger: While the tea is cooling, grate the fresh ginger. You can use a fine grater or microplane for a finer texture.
Mix the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the steeped green tea, grated ginger, honey or maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, applesauce, and lemon zest (if using). Stir everything together to combine well.
Stage 3: Set the Chews
Add the agar-agar: Sprinkle the agar-agar powder (or gelatin if using) into the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the agar-agar or gelatin is fully dissolved. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Simmer and thicken: Continue simmering for about 5 minutes, letting the mixture thicken slightly. It should become more syrupy, but not too thick.
Stage 4: Set and Cut into Chews
Pour into a mold or pan: Pour the mixture into a silicone mold, ice cube tray, or a parchment-lined baking pan (about 8×8 inches). Spread it evenly across the surface.
Chill to set: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until fully set.
Cut into chews: Once the mixture has set, remove it from the mold or pan and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. If using a baking pan, simply cut the sheet into squares or rectangles.
Stage 5: Serve and Store
Serve: These chews can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container.
Storage: Store your chews in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. They should keep well and stay chewy as long as they’re kept in a cool environment.
Tips for Perfect Green Tea, Lemon & Ginger Chews:
Sweetness adjustments: You can adjust the sweetness of the chews depending on your preference. If you like a sweeter chew, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup. You can also use stevia or another sweetener for a lower-calorie version.
Vegan option: Use agar-agar powder for a vegan-friendly version of the chews. If you’re not vegan, gelatin will work just as well to help the chews set.
Flavor variation: You can experiment with adding other flavors, such as a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or a splash of mint for a refreshing twist.
These Green Tea, Lemon & Ginger Chews are a healthy, energizing snack that’s perfect for when you need a little burst of flavor. The combination of green tea, ginger, and lemon gives them a unique, refreshing taste with a gentle warming sensation. Enjoy these chews whenever you need a pick-me-up or a natural, flavorful treat!
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