Ingredients
The tea
- a small handful of dried cerasee vine
- or 2 fresh sprigs, leaves and stems
- 500 mlwater
To make it drinkable
- honey or sugar, to taste
- a squeeze of lime
- a slice of fresh ginger
Equipment
- a saucepan
- a strainer
- a mug
Directions
- Take a small handful of the dried vine. Break it up a little with your hands.
- Rinse fresh vine under cold water first. Cut fresh sprigs into shorter lengths.
- Put the water into a saucepan. Bring it to a full rolling boil. Add the cerasee to the boiling water.
- Let it simmer for about five minutes. Five minutes is already very bitter indeed.
- Start short and increase it if you want to.
- Use less plant material rather than less time. Pour it through a strainer into a mug.
- Press the vine against the strainer if you want it stronger. Add honey or sugar generously. A slice of ginger helps as well.
Technique
- Momordica charantia has a documented blood-sugar-lowering effect and can interact with diabetes medication, so anyone taking such medication should consult a doctor first.
- It has documented abortifacient effects and should be avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and it is not given to young children.
- Traditional Jamaican use is short courses rather than continuous daily drinking, often at the start of the year.
Substitutions
- Dried cerasee is sold in bags and in teabags in Caribbean shops.
- Honey, lime and ginger all make the bitterness considerably easier to take.
Variations
- Some people drink it entirely unsweetened as the proper way.
- A version brewed shorter and weaker is easier for a first attempt.
- Fever grass, soursop leaf and mint are the other common Jamaican bush teas.
History
Jamaica’s best-known bush tea, drunk as a wash-out and blood cleanser, especially at the start of the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cerasee tea?
Cerasee tea is a drink from Jamaica: very bitter tea brewed from the dried bitter melon vine. Jamaica’s best-known bush tea, drunk as a wash-out and blood cleanser, especially at the start of the year.
How long does Cerasee tea take to make?
Cerasee tea takes 5 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of cooking. The recipe makes serves 2. It is rated easy to make.
What can I substitute in Cerasee tea?
Yes, within limits. Dried cerasee is sold in bags and in teabags in Caribbean shops. Honey, lime and ginger all make the bitterness considerably easier to take.
What is the most important thing to get right in Cerasee tea?
Use less plant material rather than less time. Pour it through a strainer into a mug.
