The fennel is a plant that gives special pleasure to farmers in the region of the Provence. However, this annualy returning plant with its green leaves needs sufficient warmth and, above all, rich soil. The well-known seed can be harvested only in late summer. The fennel has then reached the highest stage of its development and finaly forms the first seeds. Due to a taste that is similar to aniseed, the fennel seed can be used in very different ways. In general, people brew an infusion. Being acid-free, it is not only suitable for little children but also for the grown-up "children" who like drinking it when they do not feel very well. Last but not least, we would like to inform you that, for example, the steamed fennel bulb could be aten as a vegetable, which tastes brilliant.
As far as appearance and colour are concerned, a thoroughly processed leaf tea from Vietnam does not differ at all from the far more popular sorts from China. In taste, however, it is far spicier; this results from the particular fermentation and drying process. Therefore, the quality we offer may rather be compared to a Ceylonese highland type and is, thus, particularly interesting for tea drinkers who like a mild and, at the same time, fully aromatic tea. It is also perfectly suitable for being served from a samovar.
The stinging nettle itself is only one of the plant, which is collectively named „nettle plant”. In Europe, approximately 45 varieties of this plant can be found. The qualities of the soil as well as the nettle variety are very important factors for the cultivation of stinging nettle. The different varieties grow between 10 and 250 cm tall. A lot of different types of butterflies use the stinging nettle as nourishment when they are still caterpillars. The human being, however, likes the younger shoots better and uses them, depending on age and freshness, for salads, cooked or even for the production of delicious cheese. A freshly brewed stinging nettle tea can be described as typically herbal with a slight hint od spinach.
The hibiscus, as connoisseurs know, consists of the hibiscus' calyx and external calyx. They are harvested during the time of the fruits and then dried The inner calyx is 3 cm long and up to the middle it is ball-like. Above, there are five tips bending upwards. The external calyx consists of 10 small, slim petals that are strongly "anchored" to the calyx base. After the flowering time, the fleshy and slightly crumbly calyxes take on their typical red colour. The main countries of cultivation of the hibiscus are the Sudan, Egypt, China, Mexico and Thailand. The infusion of the hibiscus blossom can either be drunk pure or in form of a fruit tea blend.
The blossoms are a major part of fruit teas and give a fresh and tangy infusion. Depending on the country of origin, the colour and acidity varies. The imports from Thailand give a dark infusion with less acidity. The Sudanese hibiscus, on the other hand, has a noticeably stronger acidity and a brighter cup. Hence, with fruit tea blends you can determine the degree of acidity and/or colour by trying out different quantities and qualities of hibiscus blossoms. To those who are very thirsty, we can recommend the pure, freshly brewed and cool hibiscus tea as a really thirst-quenching drink in summer.
This tea is probably the most popular green tea from Zhejiang, south of Sanghai. The name "Gunpowder" was given to this speciality because of its rolled leaves, which have the formof bullets. If the rolled tealeaves are brewed with hot water, they begin to crackle. The tea is very original in taste, with a very strong and tangy aroma. If you find this tea too strong, you may pour away the first brew. The second one then offers the tender soul of the tea. By the way, in northern Africa the first brew is served with a mint leaf, a tea "à la menthe" so to speak.
Another convincing creation of our house. The already first-class with the fresh apple and lemon taste receives reinforcements. This Turkish apple tea also counts on the pure strength of sweet apple and pineapple pieces; however it receives additional aromatic support from a combination of delicious, sweet, soft, somewhat cake-like flavour notes. The fresh and sweetish yoghurt taste complements magnificently the special citrus fruit.
LOW in ACID!!!
This national beverage with caffeine originally comes from Paraguay, southern Brazil and Argentina. The tea comes from the green leaves of a type of holly that is said to have manifold beneficial effects. Therefore, in South America, Mate tea is also called "Beverage of the Gods" or the "Green Gold of the Indios". Drinking Mate out of one cup was a ritual and sometimes had the function of a peace pipe with the natives. Mostly enjoyed outside at the campfire, it became the national drink in almost every country in the continent over the years. The caffeine is bound to tannic substances and is set free in the body very mildly. Hence, its stimulating effects last longer than that of coffee. A short infusion time brings about a stimulating effect, a longer one weakens it.
Indonesia not only offers the classic black teas on Sumatra and Java, but also excellently produced green teas. In the mid 19th century the green tea production was commenced around the city of Bandung. In Kiwidey, a little to the south of Bandung, the "Sunda Purwa" is harvested and produced almost year-round. This coarse Pekoe-type is made from medium leaves and is a very down-to-earth variety with an excellent value for money. It impresses with an expressive body and intensive flavour even after having been infused a couple of times.
This blend of different spice seeds harmonizes perfectly. Children love the tender, sweet fennel infusion. The aniseed too, offers a bit of sweetness and, of course, its typical aniseed note. In the background, the caraway gives us its pleasant, spicy, strong variety of flavours. This herb tea blend obtains a perfect and aromatic taste nuance from a little pinch of coriander and does not need further flavouring. Enjoy the original and mild flavour!
