Soursop tea: how to prepare it (water, amount, steeping time)
A soursop herbal tea takes only a few minutes to make, as long as you get three things right: the amount of water, water that is hot but not boiling, and the steeping time. Here is the step-by-step method for our soursop leaf tea bags (Annona muricata, also known as graviola), the cold version, and the difference with a decoction of whole leaves.
Soursop leaf herbal tea – 60 tea bags of 2.5 g
100% natural soursop leaves in biodegradable tea bags, ready to infuse: 1 to 2 tea bags a day. Also available as a set of 3 boxes (180 tea bags). Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for children.
See the soursop tea bagsIn short
- 1 tea bag for 500 ml of water.
- Hot but not boiling water, about 80 °C.
- 5 to 10 minutes of steeping.
- 1 to 2 tea bags a day, preferably 30 minutes before meals.
- Each tea bag is used only once.
What you need
One soursop leaf tea bag (2.5 g of dried leaves), a large cup, a mug or a small 500 ml teapot, and a kettle. A kettle with a thermostat is ideal; without one, simply let the water rest after it boils. Low-mineral or filtered water gives a cleaner taste.
Making the hot infusion, step by step
- Heat 500 ml of water to about 80 °C. If your kettle has no thermostat, switch it off when it boils and wait a few minutes before pouring.
- Place one tea bag in the cup or teapot, then pour the water over it.
- Cover and leave to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. At 5 minutes the tea is light; at 10 minutes it is fuller.
- Remove the tea bag, pressing it lightly with a spoon, then drink the tea hot or warm.
Boiling water is not recommended: it makes a harsher tea. That is why the label says hot but not boiling water.
How many cups a day, and when?
The directions for our tea bags are 1 to 2 tea bags a day, preferably 30 minutes before meals. Each tea bag makes about 500 ml of tea, which you can drink in one or two servings. Do not exceed this amount.
The cold version
For a cool drink, keep the same proportion: 2 tea bags in 1 litre of cold water, which is the maximum amount for one day. Close the jug, leave to steep for 8 to 12 hours in the fridge, remove the tea bags and drink it the same day. The taste is milder than a hot infusion. If you prefer a quicker iced tea, make the hot infusion, let it cool, then put it in the fridge.
Tea bags or whole leaves: infusion or decoction?
Tea bags are prepared as an infusion: you pour hot water over the plant and wait a few minutes. The amount is fixed (2.5 g), with no weighing or straining.
Whole dried leaves are prepared as a decoction: 7 to 9 leaves cut into strips in 900 ml of cold water, brought to the boil and then simmered for 30 minutes before straining. It takes longer, but it is the traditional way to prepare them. If you would rather not prepare any drink, there are also 500 mg soursop capsules and the liquid extract.
Varying the taste
Soursop tea has a mild, herbal taste. To vary it, you can add a slice of lemon or fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick, or a spoonful of honey once the tea has cooled a little. These additions change the taste, nothing more.
How long does a box last?
The box of 60 tea bags lasts 60 days at 1 tea bag a day and 30 days at 2 tea bags a day. The set of 3 boxes (180 tea bags) lasts 90 days at 2 tea bags a day.
Storage and precautions
Keep the box tightly closed, in a dry place, away from light and heat. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or for children. Ask a healthcare professional for advice if you are taking medication, especially for blood pressure or blood sugar. A herbal tea is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature should soursop tea be made?
With hot but not boiling water, around 80 °C. Without a thermostat, let the water rest for a few minutes after it boils.
How long should it steep?
5 to 10 minutes, with the cup or teapot covered.
How many soursop leaves for one cup of tea?
With our tea bags there is nothing to measure: one 2.5 g tea bag for 500 ml. With whole leaves, you make a decoction of 7 to 9 leaves for 900 ml of water, simmered for 30 minutes.
How many infusions a day?
1 to 2 tea bags a day, preferably 30 minutes before meals, without exceeding this amount.
Can a tea bag be reused?
No: each tea bag is meant for a single preparation.
Can soursop tea be drunk cold?
Yes: cold-brewed (2 tea bags per litre, 8 to 12 hours in the fridge) or by letting the hot infusion cool. Drink it the same day.
Testimonials
"My secret is to never boil the water! I switch it off just before it boils and let it steep for exactly 7 minutes, with a saucer on my cup. The taste is mild and fragrant. It's my little zen evening ritual, I can't do without it."– Hélène V., Toulouse
"I discovered cold brewing this summer and it's a revelation! I prepare my bottle in the evening for the next day at the office. It's refreshing, quenches thirst much better than plain water and the taste is very delicate. My colleagues are intrigued! Top quality."– David G., Rennes
"For me, the best recipe is the hot infusion with a slice of organic lemon and a small spoonful of acacia honey. It brings out the taste of the soursop and it's a real comfort. These tea bags are top quality, you can taste the difference."– Myriam K., Nice
"Simplicity itself! One tea bag, hot water, a few minutes of patience and that's it. Nothing more needed, the product speaks for itself. The large pack is perfect for regular use like mine. Approved!"– Sébastien P., Antwerp
For several months of herbal tea: the set of 3 boxes, 180 soursop leaf tea bags. Read the precautions before ordering.
See the set of 180 tea bagsRead also
- Soursop / graviola tea: the guide
- What is a decoction of soursop leaves?
- Soursop leaves (Annona muricata): the essentials
All forms of soursop are gathered in the Soursop / Graviola collection.
This article is provided for information only and is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional.