Haiti uses ginger root as a cure for all ills, making this Haitian Ginger Tea a delightful form of medicine. Traditional healers say that ginger boosts immunity, relieves nausea, improves blood circulation, relieves menstrual discomfort, and prevents heart attacks. Thanks to Chef Claudy Pierre for sharing this recipe with TABLE Magazine.
The History of Haitian Ginger Tea
In Haiti, ginger tea is not only a staple during colder months but is also served during celebrations and family gatherings. It’s often prepared with added ingredients like cloves, cinnamon, and lime for extra flavor and health benefits. (So, add lime if you want!) As Manie Chery of Love Haitian Food reflected, “To Haitian parents, tea fixed everything.” The tea reflects the fusion of Indigenous, African, and European ingredients and methods in Haitian cuisine. It’s a comforting beverage that embodies the warmth of Haitian hospitality, often shared among friends and family. Over time, like many other elements of Haitian cuisine, Haitian ginger tea has become a symbol of resilience and cultural pride, enjoyed both in homes and at local markets.
Haitian Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 2 ginger root pieces
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2-star anise
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and dice ginger into small pieces. Add ginger, cinnamon, and star anise to water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and allow tea to brew for 5 more minutes. Strain into a cup and sweeten to taste.
Photography by Jacqueline Moss / Styling by Rafael Vencio / Food by Chef Claudy Pierre
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