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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Bamboo Leaf Tea

    Published: Feb 1, 2023 by Tracey Hatch-Rizzi
    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    2 Comments

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    Sweet, vegetal and nutritious, bamboo leaf tea is a smooth and bright tea to add to your daily pot!

    Two small white cups of bamboo tea on a wood slated table with a clay tea pot on a trivet, green leaves and zen rocks.

    Magical and dazzling, bamboo has an exotic feeling and its beauty is somehow calming.  Did you know its delicate looking leaves can be brewed into an extremely healthy and delicious tea? 

    For hundreds of years, bamboo has been used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine due to its health benefits and healing properties.  It is a very sustainable crop, with both the leaves and stems being used for teas. 

    Sip this wonderful brew on its own, or serve with a Keto Bibimbap bowl, make a pot to compliment some Homemade Asian Cabbage Rolls, or complete a keto Asian inspired meal of delicious Lo Mein with Low Carb Asian Noodles or a Low-FODMAP Asian Tuna Salad.

    What is bamboo leaf tea?

    This delicious brew is made from young bamboo leaves that are picked, washed and dried in the sun.

    It has a sweet flavor that can balance mind and body, without any caffeine.  It is a delicious and very healthy caffeine free tea alternative to green tea.

    Bamboo has the highest amount of silica of any plant, 10 times the amount of popular herbs such as horsetail and nettles.  Horsetail contains about 8% silica, where bamboo leaf contains about 70%.  Silica is what contributes to bamboo’s strong, fast growth and flexibility.

    What does bamboo tea taste like?

    The flavor is sweet and vegetal (slightly grassy), with notes of cornsilk and cocoa.  It’s very much like traditional green teas.  It’s very mild, refreshing and light, with a pale green to light yellow color.

    Clay pot on a trivet on a clay board with a white bowl of loose tea leaves.

    Bamboo tea benefits

    There's so much to love about this elegant brew, including its numerous health benefits:

    • It's rich in antioxidants and amino acids
    • High in silica, which has been linked to increased hair growth and nail strength
    • Supports collagen production, supporting rejuvenation and elasticity of skin
    • Contributes to healthy bones and increased bone density
    • Promotes cardiovascular and digestive health
    • Drinking bamboo tea and homemade bone broth may have synergistic health benefits.  The silica in the tea is a building block of collagen and bone broth is a delicious source of natural collagen.  Consuming both as part of a healthy routine can rejuvenate your skin, aid in muscle repair and even reduce inflammation.
    • Contains B vitamins (including folic acid), vitamins A and E, beta-carotene and anthocyanins
    • Has a high mineral content, including silica, magnesium, potassium, iron and copper among others
    • Contains about 4% soluble fiber, which equals about 1g of fiber per cup
    • Can easily be included in special diets.  It’s keto-friendly, paleo, AIP and Whole30 compliant and is a delicious low-FODMAP tea.

    Where to buy

    The leaves are available as either a loose tea or in tea bags.  My favorite way to brew it is with loose leaves, especially when brewing a whole pot.  However, having it pre-packaged is very convenient and portable when on-the-go or for making a quick cup.

    Green tea pot with steel basket of bamboo tea steeping in the pot.

    How to brew

    Brewing loose leaf tea is a very simple process.  There are a variety of brewing methods and the brew time can be adjusted according to your personal tastes. 

    • Use 1 teaspoon (or 1 tea bag) per cup (which is a good healthy 'pinch' of leaves)
    • Heat the water to 200F degrees (8oz of water per cup)
    • Steep for 3-5 minutes and enjoy

    Serve with a squeeze of lemon, light sweetener or simply by itself (my favorite).

    It can be infused up to three times.

    How much to drink

    Although no side effects of bamboo tea have been reported, moderation is always encouraged.  For healthy benefits, consumption can be up to 3 cups per day.

    If drinking for the benefits of silica, it’s suggested to drink a few cups daily for 2-3 months before seeing any changes in hair or nails.

    How to drink

    Enjoy this brew hot or cold.  It has a light sweetness that is enhanced when chilled and makes a delicious iced tea.

    How to store tea

    How to store tea bags

    Tea should always be stored in a way that protects it from exposure to air, light, moisture and heat.  If it’s pre-packaged in individual bags, it should be kept in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.  Many pre-packed teas are individually wrapped, which helps to protect the contents from moisture.  If the bags come in a box, it’s best to keep them in the original box, in a cabinet, drawer or on a dark shelf, away from heat sources, such as a window or a stove.  You can also find ceramic tea caddies (which are particularly cute) to easily dispense individual bags.

    How to store loose leaf tea

    Loose leaf (or unpackaged varieties) should be kept in an air-tight container that protects the leaves from moisture, heat, light and air.  Keeping teas in a cool, dark environment preserves the flavor and aroma that diminishes with exposure to these elements.  Ceramic or tin containers that are made specifically for tea storage are perfect for keeping out light and moisture.  Mason jars can also be used if stored in a dark place like a cupboard, pantry or drawer.

    Tea canisters are a great option, as long as they have an air-tight seal.  There are many ceramic ornamental options, as well as simple, double sealed tin canisters in a variety of sizes and shapes.  Some canisters are covered in beautiful washi paper to add a splash of color and elegance to your cupboard shelf.

    Zip-lock freezer bags are not a good option for storage, as they tend to be porous and can affect the flavor and aroma.  Some teas are sold in zip-lock style foil bags that are lined with plastic.  These are a good option, as they will allow the leaves to retain their flavor and keep moisture out.

    Can you freeze tea?

    Freezing teas, including bamboo leaf, is not recommended. Condensation can form inside of the bag or container, which will harm the flavor.

    However, brewed teas can be frozen in freezer-safe containers (such as mason jars) or in smaller amounts, such as in ice cube trays. These can be used in iced tea, so regular ice cubes won't dilute the flavor.

    Brewed teas can stay good in your freezer for as long as six months.

    How long does tea last?

    If stored properly bamboo leaf, as well as other teas, can stay fresh for up to 24 months. If kept longer, you may notice a decline and aroma and flavor.

    How long does tea last in the fridge?

    Brewed teas can easily be kept in the fridge for up to five days when stored in a sealed container (such as mason jars) or bottle. If you won't consume your brew within five days, consider freezing it.

    Variations

    Bamboo leaf blends very well with other green and herbal teas. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

    • Add a few jasmine pearls for a floral cup
    • Combine with your favorite green or white teas
    • Use with other herbs or herbal blends, such as chrysanthemum flower, goji berries, chamomile, mint or lemon balm.

    FAQ

    Is bamboo a grass?

    Yes, it is considered a perennial grass.  It is also the fastest growing land plant in the world.

    Is bamboo edible?

    Yes – you can eat bamboo.  However, the shoots are the most edible part, as well as the sap, which is made into a drink, mostly as a sweet wine.  Bamboo shoots are harvested while they are still soft and make wonderful additions to salads and stir frys.

    Does bamboo produce oxygen?

    Yes – quite a bit.  It is wonderful for the environment because it can produce up to 35% more oxygen than trees, absorbing more carbon dioxide.

    How fast does bamboo grow?

    Some varieties of bamboo can grow up to 2.9 feet per day, according to Guinness World Records.  If you sit in a bamboo culm, you may actually see and hear it growing.

    Is bamboo leaf a low-FODMAP tea?

    Bamboo leaves may be considered low-FODMAP.  Bamboo shoots and bamboo juice are considered low-FODMAP and fresh bamboo is low in FODMAPs, so a brew made from the leaves is very likely to be FODMAP-friendly and could be added to the list of herbal low-FODMAP teas.


    Black iron decorated tea pot on a white board with large pile of green loose leaves of bamboo tea.

    Other recipes to serve with bamboo tea

    • Bibimbap bowl - The Ultimate Meal
    • Asian Tuna Salad (without Mayo)
    • Keto Lo Mein with Low Carb Asian Noodles
    • Homemade Asian Cabbage Rolls

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Instacart and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    📖 Recipe

    Small white cups of brewed bamboo tea on a wood table with fresh bamboo branch and four small flat stacked rocks in a pyramid.

    Bamboo Leaf Tea

    Author: Tracey Hatch-Rizzi
    Sweet, vegetal and nutritious, bamboo leaf tea is a smooth and bright tea to add to your daily pot!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 1 minute minute
    Steep time: 4 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Category: beverages
    Cuisine: Asian
    Method: Stove top
    Yield: 1 cup
    Diet:Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Special Diet:AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Low-FODMAP, Paleo

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 teaspoon bamboo leaf tea (loose or 1 tea bag)
    • 8 ounces water (filtered is best)

    Instructions
     

    • Heat water to 200 °F
    • Add loose leaves to a tea ball or tea basket or place one tea bag into a cup or tea pot
    • Pour heated water over tea to fill cup or pot and steep 4 minutes
    • Repeat for additional infusions

    Notes

    Brewing and serving notes

    You can re-steep 1-3 times based on your personal tastes.  I sometimes will add a little more tea to a 2nd and 3rd infusion for a bit more strength.
    Serve with a squeeze of lemon, light sweetener or simply by itself (my favorite).

    Variations

    This brew blends very well with other green teas.
    • Add a few jasmine pearls for a floral cup
    • Combine with your favorite green or white tea
    • Use with other herbs or herbal blends, such as chrysanthemum flower, goji berries, chamomile, mint or lemon balm.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8 ozCalories: 0.01 kcalCarbohydrates: 0 gProtein: 0 gFat: 0 gFiber: 1 gNet Carbs*: 0 g

    *Net carbs = carbohydrates - fiber

    Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.

    Keywords: bamboo leaf tea, benefits of bamboo tea, best loose leaf tea
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a review below, then snap a picture and tag @Rad_Foodie on Instagram so I can see it!

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    Comments

    1. Jessie

      June 24, 2023 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      I finally bought some of this online and I love it! I can't tolerate caffeine and many decaf green teas are too bitter, but this is perfect. Nice article, btw!

      Reply
      • Tracey Hatch-Rizzi

        June 24, 2023 at 5:27 pm

        Hi Jessie,

        I'm so glad you like the post and the tea! I agree it's difficult finding a good quality decaf green tea that not's bitter. It's kind of hit-or-miss in that regard.

        Enjoy,
        Tracey

        Reply

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    Blog author in a green blouse outside with green plants behind.

    Hey there! I'm Tracey, a FODMAP-trained recipe developer and acupuncturist living a rad low-FODMAP and low-carb lifestyle. I love creating healthy, flavorful recipes, often with global ingredients. Special diets should never be boring and taste buds deserve to be happy!

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