'Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage,' We read in Okakura Kakuzō's "The Book of Tea" about the philosophy, aesthetics, and cultural significance/s of tea. 'It's a colonial commodity,' Chathuri Nissansala tells us 'It was never grown for us.' Before colonialism maybe, tea was a medicinal drink. Every Wednesday afternoon, we serve a turmeric tea. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Turmeric tea is a strikingly yellow drink. In Weed Killer, Johanna Hedva writes about yellow—their favourite colour—as toxic, sickly, golden, and sweet all at once. Gentle yet full of danger, yellow threatens—despite, or perhaps because of, its softness.
Take some turmeric and ginger. Add a pinch of black pepper and rice malt syrup (because vegan) to taste. Let simmer for an additional minute and sip.
Please bring your favourite cup.