In many Filipino households, kamias (also known as iba or bilimbi) is often just seen as a backyard fruit used to sour dishes like sinigang, or paksiw. But what if we told you that this humble, wrinkly green fruit holds more potential than most people realize?
In this article, you’ll learn how to turn this often-overlooked tropical fruit into a refreshing iced tea — a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, rich in natural flavor, and perfect for both personal enjoyment and small business opportunities.
Kamias: The Neglected Superfruit
In the Philippines, kamias grows almost effortlessly in backyards, often dropping to the ground unused. It’s so common that many don’t even bother to harvest it unless it’s needed to add sourness to local dishes.
But kamias deserves more recognition. This fruit is:
- Rich in vitamin C
- High in citric acid
- Contains antioxidants
- Known for its cooling, anti-inflammatory properties
Beyond being a souring agent, kamias can be used to make preserves, candies, and now — a truly delicious and healthy iced tea. Turning kamias into a drink like Kamias Iced Tea is a great way to reduce waste and discover new ways to enjoy this native fruit.
Why Make Kamias Iced Tea?
Unlike store-bought iced teas loaded with sugar and artificial flavoring, kamias iced tea is natural, caffeine-free, and packed with nutrients. Drying the kamias before brewing concentrates its tart, citrusy flavor and extends its shelf life — making it perfect for year-round use.
Step 1: How to Dry Kamias Slices
Before making the tea, you need to dry the kamias. Here’s how to do it at home:
Ingredients:
- Fresh kamias fruits (any amount)
Drying Instructions:
- Wash the kamias thoroughly.
- Slice each fruit thinly, around 3–5 mm thick.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a clean tray or rack.
- Sun-dry them for 2–3 days, turning occasionally to ensure even drying.
- Alternative: Use an oven at 50–60°C (122–140°F) for 4–6 hours.
- Once fully dried and crisp, let cool and store in airtight jars or containers.
Dried kamias can last up to six months if stored properly.
Step 2: How to Make Kamias Iced Tea
Now that you’ve got your dried kamias ready, it’s time to brew!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried kamias slices
- 1–2 cups hot water
- Sugar or honey (to taste)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: calamansi juice, lemon slices, or mint leaves
Brewing Instructions:
- Steep the dried kamias in hot water for 5–10 minutes.
- Add sugar or honey while still warm.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature.
- Pour over ice.
- Add mint or a slice of lemon if desired.
Health Benefits of Kamias Tea
Kamias iced tea isn’t just refreshing — it’s good for your body too.
- Boosts Immunity – thanks to high vitamin C
- Aids Digestion – due to natural acidity
- Relieves Inflammation – traditional remedy for sore throats and cough
- Hydrates Naturally – no caffeine or artificial ingredients
More Than Just Iced Tea: Other Creative Uses of Kamias
Aside from being a souring agent and now an iced tea base, kamias can also be:
- Turned into preserved kamias (pickled or in syrup)
- Made into candied kamias for snacking
- Cooked as kamias jam or jelly
- Used as a natural cleaning agent for stains or rust (due to its acidity)
- Processed into kamias concentrate for cooking or commercial use
By exploring its full potential, this often-wasted fruit can become an ingredient of value.
Who Should Try Kamias Iced Tea?
- Health-conscious individuals
- Students looking for healthy alternatives
- Moms and dads running a home business
- Anyone who wants to make use of backyard produce
Business Tip: Turn This Into a Small Iced Tea Business
Kamias iced tea is not just a healthy drink — it can be a low-cost business opportunity too. You can:
- Pre-package dried kamias slices as DIY tea kits
- Brew and bottle kamias iced tea for weekend markets
- Create and sell herbal iced tea blends with other Filipino fruits
Final Thoughts
Kamias may be underappreciated in the Philippines, but with a little creativity, it can be transformed into something exciting and marketable. Turning it into iced tea is a perfect way to reintroduce this fruit into the modern kitchen — not just as a souring agent, but as a star ingredient in healthy, local beverages.
If you have kamias growing in your yard, don’t let it go to waste — dry it, brew it, and share it. Kamias iced tea could be your next favorite drink, or even your next small business venture.