By: Rex "Ito Domo" Fortu
Deemed for hundreds of years as a key to good health, tea has taken the world by storm through the centuries, solidifying itself as staple drinks in several cultures all around the world. Although it is consumed differently among various countries around the globe, its health benefits largely remain the same, may it be the multitude of health benefits or the simple joys this humble beverage brings.
If there are four major categories of tea, then there are a myriad of different types of tisanes that results from infusing and mixing teas with flowers and fruits!
Flower and fruit teas come in a wide variety of aromas and tastes, and since some varieties are free of caffeine, these can be a delicious alternative to coffee. Brewing for tisanes may vary; it may be as short as three minutes or as long as eight minutes depending on the nature of the ingredients. If the tisane contains soft ingredients say herbs, then the steeping time is shorter when compared to tisanes that have harder ingredients such as seeds. That’s the reason why each type of tisanes have different types of brewing instructions.
While flower teas can simply be steeped flowers or even a combination of flowers, spices, and fruits, I particularly like the unique way Havva Brew creates one of their flower teas. Their Jasmine Blooming Flower Tea Balls, made from binding jasmine flowers, green tea and white tea leaves which are then crafted into balls. When steeped, the bundle expands in a way mimicking a flower in bloom. This tea is filled with stress-reducing antioxidants and aids with digestion. Jasmine flowers were also used in traditional medicine to treat headache, dizziness and abdominal pains. It’s artistic and healthy, just the way I like it!
Probably one of the most famous of the flower teas is Chamomile Tea, usually consumed for their relaxation and sleep management benefits. Another good example is Hibiscus Tea is a popular choice for weight loss and lowering cholesterol.
Unlike instant juice and sugary fruit drinks, fruit tea is made from natural, unprocessed fruits which make it a healthier alternative. It is energy boosting and refreshing at the same time. Most brewed fruit teas could also be enjoyed cold — just add ice or you may opt to cold brew it for a longer period of time to enjoy its full benefits.
We have Apple Cinnamon Tea which is rich in vitamins and minerals, good for metabolism and helps improve blood flow. You can also try their Red Berries Tea which is low in calories and helps increase good cholesterol.
Infusing flowers and fruits to make tisanes is not just for the complex flavors and wonderful aromas, but also for its wide array of nutritional advantages as well. Tropical Fruit Tea is a naturally sweet blend of dried tropical fruits including dried pineapple, dried mango, apple, dried strawberry, and yellow rose and cinnamon. One of my personal favorites, Carnaval Tea, is a mix of melissa flower, apple, rosehip fruit, okra flower and grape seeds. Health does not need to be bland or boring - in fact, it can be one of the most delicious ways to indulge your cravings.
There are numerous benefits and flavors of tisanes, so read up, research, and choose which tea or herbal infusion best suit your taste!
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