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What is CCF tea?
CCF tea is a simple caffeine-free tisane from the Ayurvedic tradition — equal parts cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, steeped in water. What it is, how it tastes, and how to make it.
CCF tea is a simple herbal tisane from the Ayurvedic tradition, made by steeping equal parts cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in hot water. It's caffeine-free, mild and slightly sweet, pale gold in the cup, and traditionally sipped through the day. Here's what it is and how to make it — a traditional recipe, not medical advice.
What CCF stands for
The three letters are the three seeds: Cumin, Coriander and Fennel. Because it's made from seeds and not the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), CCF is technically a tisane, not a true tea — which is also why it's naturally caffeine-free.
The three seeds
| Seed | Flavor | Traditional note |
|---|---|---|
| Cumin | Earthy, warm, slightly nutty | Warming; a cooking-and-tisane staple |
| Coriander | Citrusy, mildly sweet | Described in the tradition as cooling |
| Fennel | Sweet, licorice-like, cooling | Sweet and aromatic; the “sweet” note |
Together they make a balanced cup — the fennel's sweetness rounding out the earthier cumin, coriander bridging the two.
How to make CCF tea
- Measure. Use ½ teaspoon each of whole cumin, coriander and fennel seeds per 2 cups of water.
- Simmer. Add the seeds to the water, bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.
- Strain and sip. Strain out the seeds and drink warm. Some people keep a flask and sip it through the day.
You can lightly toast the seeds first for a deeper flavor, or use a pinch more fennel if you like it sweeter.
What it tastes like
Mild, warm and gently sweet — closer to a spiced water than a bold tea. Because there's no caffeine and no tannin, it doesn't turn bitter, so a long steep is forgiving. It's an easy caffeine-free option for the evening; for other caffeine-free choices see is rooibos caffeine-free.
Where it fits
CCF is a make-at-home tisane rather than something we sell — but it's a lovely, gentle entry point to the tradition. For the warming, spiced side of that same tradition, see Ayurvedic spices, cup by cup and our overview of Ayurveda and tea.
This is a traditional culinary recipe and general information, not medical or dietary advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Frequently asked questions
What is CCF tea?
A simple Ayurvedic tisane made from equal parts cumin, coriander and fennel seeds steeped in hot water. It's caffeine-free, mild and slightly sweet.
What does CCF stand for?
Cumin, Coriander and Fennel — the three seeds it's made from.
How do you make CCF tea?
Simmer ½ teaspoon each of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in about 2 cups of water for 5–10 minutes, then strain. Toast the seeds first for deeper flavor if you like.
Does CCF tea have caffeine?
No. It's made from seeds, not the tea plant, so it's naturally caffeine-free — a good evening option.
Sources
- Cumin, coriander and fennel: culinary seeds and composition · ScienceDirect (Elsevier)