Gather 2 cups of Magnolia petals off a tree you know was not exposed to fertilizer or insecticide. Hand wash the petals with water very gently. I put them in a strainer and run cold clean water over them, turning gently.
Make Tea from Infused Magnolia Petals
Boil 3 cups of water in a pot, turn off the stove, and add the 2 cups of the Magnolia petals to the water.
Put the pot in the refrigerator covered, and let the petals steep overnight.
The next day, strain off the leaves, and capture the liquid as your concentrated tea. Store it in the refrigerator.
Make Tea from Dehydrated Petals
Spread petals on a baking sheet.
Bake for 1 hour at the lowest heat setting - I baked them at 150 F. Or use a dehydrator.
Remove the pan, allow the petals to cool and dry until crispy. Gather them in a container and store them in a cool dark place.
To make tea with dehydrated leaves, add a few tablespoons to a mug and pour on hot water. Steep for 2-3 minutes, strain and enjoy.
To prepare the Magnolia smoothie
Prepare at least 1 cup of magnolia tea.
Add all ingredients to a blender and process them until smooth.
1 cup homemade Magnolia tea, 1 cup dairy free yogurt, ¼ cup raspberries, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
To present the smoothie as I did, fill half your smoothie container with yogurt, pour on the Magnolia smoothie, and make swirls by carefully dipping in your spoon and dragging up and around.
Drink immediately.
Video
Notes
To store homemade magnolia tea, refrigerate for 2 days or freeze for one month.To store a smoothie made with magnolia tea, refrigerate for 1 day, or freeze for up to three months.