When we lived in the USA I enjoyed going to Fiesta Foods to shop because it was a supermarket that catered to the Hispanic population in our area. I looked forward to having a cup of horchata. It is a sweet white drink that was made from rice milk and cinnamon.
When we moved to Ecuador and I saw the horchata tea offered I was disappointed that it was an herbal tea and not the delicious white sweet drink I was accustomed to.
Well, my friends, I have been on a health kick lately and the horchata (herbal) tea of Ecuador has become a very good friend of mine.
Lourdes and I go to the market. We buy the fresh herbs to make the tea.
Here is a closer look.
We bring it home and put it on to make tea. We add some ginger just for a little more health benefit.
I drink this tea cold over ice. I add a little Splenda and some lemon. It is very refreshing and so much better for me than the diet soda. I haven't completely given up on diet soda but when I am at home I drink this tea instead.
This is what it looks like in the pitcher. The red color comes from the blossoms on the plants.
One other thing I want to share. Our friend, Howard, gave Chuck some orchid plants a year or so ago. We have them in the glassed in part of our patio. Every so often one of them blooms.
We are enjoying this display right now....glad it waited until we returned from Spain to put on it's show.
Love,
Nancy
The drinks looks amazing. I'd make that in a second if I could. So much better than soda.
ReplyDeleteGood for you.
Beautiful orchids! I hope to get the recipe for your tea sometime.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shelagh...it is very tasty with the added lemon and ginger. Wish I could share some with you.
ReplyDeleteGloria,
ReplyDeleteIf you live in Cuenca it is very easy. You go to the market or the Coopera and buy the herbs that are bundled up...bring them to a boil and let them steep.
If you don't live in Ecuador I cannot help you with a recipe. They also dry the herbs and sell them in a bag or tea bags. But I think they only sell them here.
Nancy, just wanted to say that I enjoy reading your blogs. I was bored at work one day and googled " ecuador blogs" and your blog came up first. I go to Ecuador every year but have never been to Cuenca, I really hope I can go there on my next visit to Ecuador. Take care.
ReplyDeleteMercy,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that we can offer you a little diversion from work.
If you make it to Cuenca on one of your trips to Ecuador let us know.
Sure will :)
ReplyDeleteSo my family is from Manabi-Portoviejo. Have you had a chance to make it out there on the coast yet? I was trying to go back to old blogs but didn't find anything on Portoviejo ?
Nancy, We don't live there but will be there for a visit in less than two weeks. Our first time in Ecuador and I can't wait! Perhaps we can get together for a cup of tea while we're there.
ReplyDeleteMercy,
ReplyDeleteChuck said we went through Portoviejo about 5 years ago on the bus. We have never actually gone there. If we should go, what would be the main things to see or do?
Gloria,
ReplyDeleteChuck and I are leaving for the U.S. on Sunday, May 6. If you are here before we leave we would love to have a cup of tea with you.