Soursop Leaf Tea

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook/Simmer Time: 15 minutes

• Steeping/Resting Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 2 cups (approx. 16 fl oz / 475 ml)

• Difficulty Level: Easy

Heat & Cooking Intensities

To extract the optimal flavor compounds and phytochemicals without degrading the delicate aromatic oils, follow these explicit burner heat levels throughout the process:

1. Initial Boil: High Heat (100% / ~212°F / 100°C) — Bring cold filtered water and leaves to a rapid rolling boil.

2. Decoction Simmer: Low to Medium-Low Heat (25–30% / ~185°F–195°F / 85°C–90°C) — Reduce flame immediately to maintain a continuous, gentle simmer with small, steady bubbling. Avoid high boil during extraction to prevent excessive evaporation and bitter harshness.

3. Rest & Steep: Zero Heat (Off / Ambient) — Cover securely with a lid off the heat source to trap aromatic vapors while the infusion cools slightly before serving.

Ingredients

Primary Base

• 10–12 Whole Fresh Soursop Leaves (or 6–8 dried whole leaves)

• 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) Filtered spring water (reduces by half during simmering)

Optional Flavor Enhancers

• 1 tsp Organic raw wildflower honey or pure maple syrup

• 1 thin slice Fresh lemon or key lime

• 1 small piece (1/2 inch) Fresh ginger root, lightly bruised

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Leaf Selection & Preparation

If using fresh leaves, select vibrant dark green leaves that are free from blemishes or discoloration. Rinse each leaf thoroughly under cool running water to clear away natural dust or debris. Gently pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. If using whole dried leaves, rinse quickly to remove any ambient surface dust.

Step 2: Bruising the Leaves

Gently tear each leaf into two or three large pieces, or bruise them light-handedly using a pestle. Bruising breaks down the cell walls of the leaf, allowing the water to dissolve the plant extracts efficiently during the decoction phase.

Step 3: Initial Boil

In a non-reactive medium saucepan (stainless steel or glass preferred), combine the prepared leaves and 4 cups of filtered water. Place the pan over High Heat and bring the liquid to a full, rolling boil.

Step 4: Low-Intensity Decoction Simmer

As soon as a full boil is reached, immediately dial the burner down to Low Heat (25–30% intensity). Cover the saucepan loosely with a lid, leaving a tiny gap for steam escape. Allow the leaves to simmer gently for exactly 15 minutes. The water should steadily transform from clear to a rich greenish-gold and finally into a deep amber-brown tone.

Step 5: Off-Heat Infusion & Rest

Remove the saucepan entirely from the heat element. Secure the lid tightly over the pan and allow the tea to steep off the heat for 10 minutes. This resting phase allows the flavor profile to round out and brings the liquid down to a comfortable drinking temperature.

Step 6: Strain & Serve

Pour the infusion through a fine-mesh strainer directly into your favorite mug or tea glass. Discard the spent leaves. Enjoy plain to experience its authentic woodsy, herbal taste, or stir in a splash of fresh lime juice and raw honey to add brightness.

Nutrition Facts

The nutrition profile below reflects 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) of plain, un-sweetened soursop leaf tea extracted in filtered water.

Macro & Micro Breakdown

Nutritive Component	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value (DV)*
Calories	2 kcal	0%
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Trans Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	5 mg	< 1%
Total Carbohydrates	0.4 g	< 1%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Total Sugars	0 g	0%
Added Sugars	0 g	0%
Protein	0.1 g	0%
Potassium	45 mg	1%
Calcium	12 mg	1%
Magnesium	8 mg	2%
Iron	0.2 mg	1%
Vitamin C	1.5 mg	2%