Don't throw it away! Surprising nutrition hidden in used tea leaves
table of contents
Introduction
We drink tea every day. How do you dispose of the tea leaves?
In fact, these used tea leaves are packed with an incredible amount of nutrition.
Rich nutrients contained in used tea leaves
Tea leaves contain catechins, which are expected to have anti-cancer effects, and vitamin C, which is resistant to heat and protects our bodies.
In addition, it is rich in ingredients such as carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, and vitamin E, which has strong antioxidant properties, but these do not dissolve easily in water.
Therefore, only about 30% of the nutrients are absorbed when you brew it in hot water and drink it, while the remaining 70% of the nutrients remain in the tea leaves.
Eat tea leaves
Tea leaves are truly packed with nutrients.
By eating the tea leaves rather than just drinking the tea, you can absorb even more of the tea's nutrients.
Enjoying tea leaves is very easy.
After brewing, you can make ohitashi simply by pouring ponzu sauce over the used tea leaves. It has a slight bitterness, and the taste is similar to that of boiled rape blossoms. It is also delicious with salt, bonito flakes, and soy sauce.
It's very easy to make and adds a small dish to the dinner table, so it's very helpful.
Easy recipes using tea leaves
Boiled tea leaves
material
- Used tea leaves : 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce : appropriate amount
- Dried bonito flakes: desired amount
How to make it
- Sprinkle a moderate amount of soy sauce onto the used tea leaves.
- Garnish with dried bonito flakes. If you like, you can add grated daikon radish or other toppings to make it more flavorful.
Used Tea Leaves Sprinkle
material
- Used tea leaves: 2 tablespoons
- Salt : 1 tsp
- White sesame seeds : 2 tablespoons
- Green laver: 1 tablespoon
- Small sardines, cherry shrimp, etc .: desired amount
How to make it
- Place the dried tea leaves and your favorite ingredients in a mortar or mill and grind until finely ground.
- Fry in a frying pan over low heat until fragrant.
- You can add salt to taste.
*Even when stir-fried over medium heat, it still has a fragrant flavor. 
Tea leaves tsukudani
material
- Used tea leaves : 3-4 grams (approximately one serving)
- Mirin : 1.5-2 tablespoons
- Sugar : 1 tsp
- Soy sauce : 1.5-2 tablespoons
- Stock : 2/3 cup
- Dried bonito flakes or white sesame seeds: desired amount
How to make it
- Add all ingredients to a frying pan and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- When most of the liquid has evaporated, taste it and adjust seasoning.
- Simmer until all the water has evaporated.
- Add bonito flakes and white sesame seeds and mix.
Egg roll with tea leaves
Ingredients (serves 4)
- Used tea leaves: 2 grams
- Sake and mirin: 1 tablespoon each
- Eggs: 5
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/3 teaspoon
- Salad oil: a little
How to make it
- Add hot water to the tea leaves and steam them
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them. Add the sake, mirin, sugar, salt and tea leaves in that order, and mix thoroughly.
- Next, add the sake, mirin, sugar, and salt and mix well.
- Lightly coat an omelet pan with salad oil and heat it up to cook the omelet.
