3 Unexepected Ways To Use Green Tea

When it comes to kitchen staples, we like to get creative. Green tea is the perfect multi-tasker—it’s easy to store, inexpensive, and its leaves have a wide ranges of uses.

Beyond adding flavor, green tea contains a hefty dose of antioxidants called catechins, which research suggests may fight some cancers and heart disease.

1. Oatmeal

It might sounds a little unusual, but brewed green tea gives oatmeal a subtle herbal flavor. If you want a little more creaminess, try half almond milk and half green tea.

2. Smoothie base

Green tea makes a fantastic base for smoothies when you want a lighter, more refreshing drink. For a while, we were obsessed with almond or cashew milk in our smoothie bases, but some days that feels a little heavy. Water will suffice, but cold green tea knocks your smoothie game out of the park. It works with every smoothie flavor combination we’ve tried so far, especially strawberry and banana.

3. Skin toner

Done brewing your tea? Don’t toss that tea bag! We love to rub the tea leaves all over our faces once we’re done sipping her tea. Crazy? No way. It’s soothing, refreshing, and gives the skin an antioxidant pop. Or, for a summertime refresher, brew up a cup of really strong green tea, let it cool, and keep it in a spray bottle in the fridge. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a hot day.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont