Iced Teas from a Boiling Delta

When next you are in the mood for a relaxing glass of iced tea, think Africa and the pounding throb of a steaming day. Run for the shelter of a tropical garden and the aromatic power of herbal remedies to temper the sweltering hour. This being the global village, these hidden mysteries of the Dark Continent are within easy reach on the packed shelves of the nearest grocery store.

Sublime irony it is surely, that the mix of life saving greens described below should come from one of the most troubled regions of the world at this time: The Niger Delta- boiling cauldron of swamps and polluted rivers in the Southeast of oil rich Nigeria, where ethnic militia have taken up arms to protest the lingering impoverishment of their land in the midst of so much wealth and affluence.

Basil, roasted slowly over the hearth, has a dispelling effect on malaria carrying mosquitoes. Shredded, then kept in cold water overnight, it forms a dark, thick liquid. Boil a cup of this for three minutes, or two spoonfuls of the dry stuff for five; sieve into a mug and refrigerate. It's common to take this colon cleanser neat, but a dollop of honey does smoothen away some of its harsh edges.

Lemon grass (citronella) is an ethno botanical cure for several kinds of fevers. Boiled and drunk as a warm beverage, it induces a scented perspiration to keep pesky insects at bay. The tea may stand alone by itself in an iced glass, but accommodates a dash or two of spirit-kinkana, local rut gut, is the favored gin of the delta- to give the same effect as the hot article. Add sugar, if you may, to the untainted citronella brew. But try a mix of basil and citronella teas in equal parts; sip clean to get the full embrace of this rakish cocktail, or mellow it down with a sweetener of choice.

Another great idea for a smooth drink to chase the dying day is ground ginger tea. Boil a heaped spoonful in half a litre of water for ten minutes to get a dark golden hue. Add a slice of onion to the steaming liquid. Strain after five minutes and serve chilled. The true worth of these cooling drinks lies in the fact that each of them is a great mixer and may be blended across board to the taste of the connoisseur.

These beverages are native to the Niger Delta. Point of difference: refrigeration not being easily available in the creeks and villages, the local people rarely serve them chilled. But the delights of the iced varieties are yours to savor from your end of the world wide hamlet. Cheers!