Panera Bread Passion Papaya Green Tea Recipe

Panera Bread Passion Papaya Green Tea is a tropical, iced infusion known for its vibrant fruit notes and clean, revitalizing finish. Ideally the green tea should be steeped at a lower temperature for no more than three minutes to prevent the leaves from releasing bitter tannins that can overshadow the delicate sweetness of the papaya and passion fruit.

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Panera Bread Passion Papaya Green Tea Recipe Ingredients

• 4 cups filtered water, divided
• 4 to 5 high-quality green tea bags (Sencha or a mild Chinese green tea)
• 1/2 cup passion fruit nectar (such as Goya or Ceres)
• 1/2 cup papaya nectar
• 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Fresh mint leaves and orange slices, for garnish
• Plenty of ice

How To Make Panera Bread Passion Papaya Green Tea Recipe

1. Boil the Water: Bring two cups of the filtered water to a boil in a small pot. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from the heat immediately.
2. Steep the Tea: Let the water sit for about sixty seconds to allow the temperature to drop to roughly one hundred and seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. Add the green tea bags and steep for exactly three minutes. Discard the bags without squeezing them to keep the tea clear and smooth.
3. Sweeten: While the concentrated tea is still hot, stir in the honey or agave nectar and the lemon juice. Whisk until the sweetener is completely dissolved and the liquid is uniform.
4. Combine Fruit Flavors: In a large glass pitcher, combine the hot tea concentrate with the passion fruit nectar and the papaya nectar. Stir well to integrate the tropical flavors.
5. Dilute: Pour in the remaining two cups of cold filtered water. Stir the mixture thoroughly and give it a quick taste; if it is too sweet, add another half-cup of cold water.
6. Chill: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least two to three hours. This resting period is essential for the papaya and passion fruit notes to fully meld with the earthy green tea base.
7. Serve: Fill tall glasses with ice and pour the chilled tea over the top. Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and an orange slice for a professional café presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Nectar vs. Juice: Use fruit nectars rather than clear juices. Nectars have a thicker consistency and a more intense fruit pulp content, which is the secret to replicating that “syrupy” mouthfeel found in Panera’s iced tea.
• The “Clear” Secret: If your tea looks cloudy, it is often because it was cooled too rapidly in the freezer. Let it reach room temperature on the counter for twenty minutes before moving it to the refrigerator to maintain a crystal-clear appearance.
• Avoid Bitter Bites: Never steep your green tea in rolling boiling water. High heat “burns” the delicate leaves, resulting in a grassy, astringent flavor that ruins the tropical balance of the drink.
• Honey Quality: Use a mild, light-colored honey like clover or orange blossom. Strong, dark honeys like buckwheat will compete with the papaya and make the tea taste too heavy.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Passion Papaya Green Tea

Tea accompaniments are light, refreshing additions frequently served to balance the tropical sweetness of the beverage. Ideally the fruit salad should include a mix of berries and citrus to provide a tart, juicy contrast to the floral and earthy notes of the passionfruit.

• Panera Bread Napa Almond Chicken Salad
• A fresh fruit cup with strawberries and pineapple
• Panera Bread Lemon Drop Cookie
• A light turkey and avocado sandwich on sourdough

How To Store Panera Bread Passion Papaya Green Tea

• Refrigerate: Store the tea in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Stir Before Pouring: Because nectars contain fruit solids, they may settle at the bottom of the pitcher. Give the tea a quick stir with a long spoon before pouring each glass.
• Freeze: You can freeze the tea in ice cube trays. Using “tea cubes” instead of regular water cubes ensures your drink never tastes watered down as the ice melts on a hot day.

Panera Bread Passion Papaya Green Tea Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 95 kcal (per 12-oz serving)
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 22g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.

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