Gingerbread

• Black Tea Assam (South India): Forms the robust base of the blend
• Green Tea China Sencha: Adds a fresh, grassy note
• Date: (date, rice flour) Provides natural sweetness
• Cinnamon sticks: Offer warm, spicy notes
• Orange peels: Add a zesty citrus flavor
• Star anise: Contributes a subtle licorice flavor
• Clove: Adds a pungent, aromatic spice
• Cardamom: (whole and powdered) Provides a complex, slightly sweet spice note
• Nutmeg: Offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor
• Vanilla: Adds a smooth, creamy note
• Natural flavoring and natural orange flavoring: Enhance the overall taste profile

All ingredients are sourced from sustainable cultivation, ensuring a premium blend with natural flavorings.

For optimal extraction of flavors and beneficial compounds, follow these brewing instructions:

• Water Temperature: 100°C (212°F)
• Steeping Time: 2-4 minutes
• Tea Quantity: 12-15 grams per liter of water

This high temperature and steeping time allow for full extraction of flavors from both the black tea base and the various spices, ensuring a rich and aromatic cup. Adjust the steeping time to your preference - a longer steep will result in a stronger, more robust flavor.

The Gingerbread blend offers a multi-faceted flavor experience that evolves with each sip. The Assam tea provides a full-bodied, malty base, complemented by the fresh notes of Sencha. The spices create a warm, complex flavor profile reminiscent of gingerbread, while the citrus notes add brightness and the vanilla contributes a smooth sweetness.

Experiment with brewing times to find your perfect cup. This blend can be enjoyed plain or with a touch of milk and sweetener to enhance its dessert-like qualities. It pairs wonderfully with holiday treats or as an after-dinner indulgence. For a special treat, try it as a base for a spiced tea latte during the colder months.

Potential Herbal Benefits of Key Ingredients:

Black Tea Assam:

• Rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers
• Contains caffeine, potentially improving alertness and focus

Green Tea China Sencha:

• High in antioxidants, particularly catechins
• May support weight loss and improved brain function
• Potentially lowers the risk of certain diseases

Cinnamon:

• Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
• May help lower blood sugar levels
• Can aid in digestion and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease

Orange Peels:

• High in vitamin C and flavonoids
• May boost the immune system
• Potential to protect against oxidative stress

Star Anise:

• Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties
• Traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve respiratory issues

Clove:

• Possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
• Often used to relieve toothache pain
• May aid in digestion

Cardamom:

• Known for its digestive benefits
• May help reduce nausea and bloating
• Contains antioxidants

Nutmeg:

• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• May aid in digestion
• Should be consumed in moderation due to potential toxicity in large amounts

Vanilla:

• Known for its calmin g effects
• May help reduce anxiety and stress

The Gingerbread blend combines these ingredients to create a tea that not only delights the palate but also offers potential health benefits. As with any herbal blend, individual responses may vary, and it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for specific health concerns.

Black Tea Assam:

Originating from the Assam region in India, this tea has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It was first cultivated by the British and quickly became renowned for its strong, malty flavor. Assam tea is a staple in many Indian chai blends, representing the fusion of British tea culture with Indian traditions.

Green Tea China Sencha:

While Sencha is more commonly associated with Japan, its inclusion here as a Chinese variant showcases the global nature of tea culture. Green tea has been consumed in China for over 4,000 years, with each variety holding its own cultural significance. The presence of Sencha in this blend bridges Eastern and Western tea traditions.

Cinnamon:

Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years, prized by ancient civilizations in Egypt, China, and India. It was once considered more valuable than gold and was used in religious rites and as a preservative. Its inclusion in this blend connects the drinker to millennia of culinary and medicinal traditions.

Orange Peels:

Orange peels have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. In many cultures, oranges symbolize good fortune and joy, making their inclusion in this festive blend particularly appropriate.

Star Anise:

Used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years, star anise is also a key ingredient in many Indian and Middle Eastern spice blends. Its distinctive star shape has made it a symbol of hope and good fortune in many cultures.

Clove:

Cloves have been traded for over 2,000 years and were highly valued in ancient Rome and China. In some cultures, cloves were used to ward off evil spirits, while in others, they symbolized dignity and nobility.

Cardamom:

Native to India, cardamom has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It's a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and is often referred to as the "Queen of Spices". In some Middle Eastern cultures, cardamom coffee is offered as a symbol of hospitality.

Nutmeg:

Nutmeg has been traded since ancient times and was highly valued in Europe during the Middle Ages. Native to the Banda Islands in Indonesia, it played a significant role in the spice trade and even led to wars over its control.

Vanilla:

Vanilla originated in Mexico and was used by the Aztecs to flavor their chocolate drinks. It was later introduced to Europe by the Spanish and has since become a popular flavoring worldwide, often associated with comfort and warmth.

The Blend as a Cultural Fusion:

The Gingerbread tea blend represents a fascinating fusion of cultural traditions. It combines ingredients from diverse parts of the world - Indian teas, Chinese green tea, Middle Eastern and Asian spices, and New World vanilla - to recreate the flavor of gingerbread, a treat with strong European associations.

This blend serves as a testament to the global nature of modern cuisine and tea culture, where flavors and traditions from around the world can come together to create something both familiar and exotic. It offers tea enthusiasts a chance to explore a variety of cultural traditions in a single cup, symbolizing the rich tapestry of our global culinary heritage.