If you love loose leaf tea, this is a cozy trick worth trying: use a Gala apple as the tea infuser. By hollowing out the apple and poking small holes in the bottom, the apple becomes a natural “steeping vessel” that adds a gentle sweetness and subtle apple aroma—no sweeteners needed.
This method is simple, fun to make, and perfect for a warm winter drink (or an impressive little demo moment if you’re serving guests).
Why This Works
Using an apple as a tea infuser adds natural flavor as the hot water passes through the apple and tea leaves. Gala apples are a great choice because they’re mellow, lightly sweet, and pair well with black tea, green tea, chai, and many herbal blends.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Gala apple (or another sweet-crisp apple)
- Loose leaf tea (about 1–2 tsp)
- A small knife + spoon (or apple corer)
- A skewer, chopstick, or toothpick (to poke holes)
- A mug
- Hot water
Directions
- Wash the apple.
- Hollow it out: Slice off the top (like a lid). Use a spoon or corer to remove the core and create a cavity.
- Poke drainage holes: Use a skewer or toothpick to poke several small holes in the bottom of the apple cavity (through the apple’s base). These let the tea flow into your mug.
- Add loose leaf tea: Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of loose leaf tea into the hollowed apple.
- Place over a mug: Set the apple directly on top of your mug (so the holes drain into the mug).
- Pour hot water over the tea: Slowly pour hot water into the apple until it’s mostly full.
- Steep: Let it drip and steep for 3–5 minutes (depending on your tea). Refill once if you’d like a stronger cup.
- Sip and enjoy: You’ll get a gently sweet, apple-kissed tea—warm, fragrant, and comforting.
Best Teas to Use
- Black tea (classic and cozy)
- Chai (apple + spice = perfect)
- Green tea (lighter, refreshing)
- Cinnamon or herbal blends (extra warming)
Tips for the Best Apple-Infused Tea
- Use hot but not boiling water for green tea to avoid bitterness.
- If it drains too fast, poke fewer holes (or smaller holes).
- Want it sweeter? Choose a naturally sweet apple, like Fuji, and steep a minute longer.
