In the previous blog post we presented some of Turkey’s best herbal teas. And now back by popular demand we’re here for round two, because Turkey’s tea culture is absolutely endless! Once again, we’re not talking about black tea (which is ALSO amazing in Turkey – what a country!) – just herbal teas that you’ll find all over Turkey that are both delicious and healthy!

Rezene Tea (Fennel Tea)

Fennel tea is delicious and incredibly common throughout Turkey. It’s used primarily for its health benefits more than just as a standard drink on a cool winter’s afternoon. It’s been scientifically proven to relax the muscles, and is one of the herbal teas most associated with producing breast milk for nursing mothers.

But its antioxidants help it for many different purposes, including the reduction of blood clots, antibacterial effects, antifungal activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and use as an anti-diabetic. In Turkey fennel is rarely used in food, and, like sage, it’s used mostly for health reasons in fennel tea.

Nane Limon Tea (Lemon Mint Tea)

This drink is as simple as its name, but when the lemon and mint are completely fresh (as they always are in Turkey) then it’s practically a miracle drink. The tea has a mixture of sweet, sour and savory as the mint and lemon mix together in the glass and the taste is sublime.

It also serves as a detoxifier, cleansing the body and boosting the immune system. It’s known to help relieve headaches, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting and a whole range of other stomach ailments. Of all the popular Turkish herbal teas, this might be the most generally refreshing and easy to make at home. 

Kuşburnu Tea (Rosehip Tea)

Rose is used in cuisine much more often in Turkey than in other countries, with rose water also being an important ingredient. Rosehip are the fruits of the rose plant, and they taste heavenly and make for the prettiest-looking tea you’ve ever tried.

It’s also high in antioxidants, which make it good for preventing cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. But again, the flavor of rosehip tea in Turkey is what makes it so special. When you order it, you’ll know that everyone else at your table wishes they’d done the same as the aroma of the tea wafts over the entire café.

Elma Tea (Apple Tea)

Apple tea is where fresh apples are brewed, sometimes along with regular black tea, for a truly unique flavor that is at the same time sweet and still full of flavor. It’s known to be beneficial for the immune system.

This is a drink you’ll find everywhere you go in Turkey, even in the Grand Bazaar you’ll be offered a choice of regular black tea or apple tea. It’s particularly good for aging as it helps prevent various diseases and even helps maintain vision.

Kekik Tea (Thyme Tea)

Thyme and its cousin oregano are used widely in Turkish cuisine, and also, as the name suggests, in tea! When you’re sick and coughing, thyme tea is the way to go as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that will both soothe your throat but also help you feel better faster. But it has a large number of health benefits that have been used for millennia in Anatolia, including benefits for people suffering from chronic disease, respiratory infections, obesity, muscle strain, menstrual cramps, insomnia, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, upset stomachs and constipation, among much more.