APCC Tea Experience: Philippines

Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) offers a Tea Experience on the first Saturday of each month.  It's an opportunity to discover and learn more about the teas, the culture, and the traditions of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

On February 7th, I attended the Philippines Tea Experience presented by Cezar and Terry Bordon.  Cezar provided an introduction to Philippine culture and Terry demonstrated how to make the refreshing ginger drink, Salabat.  It's a very simple beverage and easy to make, but the results are quite impressive.  With the strong ginger aroma and taste, it really opens up the airways.  Salabat is usually prepared in the evenings and is a staple when company is expected.  Because it is considered a complimentary item, it will almost never appear on a Filipino restaurant menu and must be requested.

Terry was kind enough to share her recipe with us:

12 cups water
6-7 whole ginger, peel-intact (if ginger is larger than 5 inches, adjust amount to taste)
1/2 cup brown sugar
Lemon slices (optional)

Wash each piece of ginger, cut in half, and smash (using the side of the knife blade or any flat surface).
Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
Add ginger and boil for 5 minutes.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar (adjust amount to taste).
Strain and serve with optional lemon slices.

Thanks to Terry and Cezar for introducing us to this delicious beverage and to APCC for hosting the event!