Tea

Teas come from the plant Camellia Senses. The young leaves of the plant produce a complex and subtle beverage that has remarkable medicinal and nutritional qualities. There are 4 main varieties, green tea, white tea, black tea and oolong. Herbal teas or tisanes are herbs, spices or medicinal flowers mixed with traditional teas or brewed alone, such as chamomile or rooibush tea.

Organic Cultivation

Organic tea is grown on land untainted by the use of pesticide, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. The tea is grown in areas where plants, wildlife and people live in harmony. Organic tea is grown with other indigenous plants in nutrient rich soil that uses natural, organic fertilizers such as cow dung or composted tea. Tea leaves are extremely absorbent so any pesticide or synthetic chemical will not only affect the flavour harmful residue. Organic tea production takes longer than conventionally grown teas and it produces smaller harvests, but it is worth the wait as the long maturing process enhances the flavour and increases the medicinal properties. Weeding and harvesting is done by hand, so as to pick just the young, fragrant leaves.

Health Properties

For centuries traditional medicine has relied on teas for everything from cancers to infertility and stomach aches. Modern medicine has provided insight into the medicinal properties of tea - it is rich in anti-oxidants. minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids. Currently it is being intensively studied for two significant properties, catechines which are cancer fighting compounds and flavonoids which could be a weapon against heart disease. However, tea is best known for its tonic and calming uses. For billions of people, a cup of tea takes away the stress and anxiety of modern life.

Some of its Many Healing Compounds

. Catechins: lower blood cholesterol, lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, strengthen blood vessel wall, reduce oxidation, reduce tumours, reduce mutations, kill influenza virus.

. Flavonoids: strengthen blood vessel and capillary walls, anti-inflammatory, stimulates folic acid absorption, normalizes thyroid function, reduces oxidation.

. Caffeine: relief from fatigue, neuralgia and headache. Acts as a diuretic.

. Flouride: prevents dental decay

. Quercetin: anti-spasmodic, helps acute diarrhoea

. Vitamin B complex: aids in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, helps to moisturize the skin

. Vitamin E: powerful anti-oxidant, regulates aging

. Polysaccharides: lowers blood sugar

. Salicylates: analgesic, antipyretic

Herbal Teas

The herbs, spices and other botanicals used in our organic herbal teas are grown with respect to the surrounding environment and the farmers who cultivate these plants. Many of these botanicals have proven medicinal qualities and have been used for centuries to cure illness. Traditional herbal remedies are making a comeback as an alternative to modern medicine. For every ailment there is an herbal tea that has been used for centuries to treat that illness.

Herbal Remedy Teas to Try

. Ginger: relieves nausea and stomach upset

. Echinacea: stimulates the immune system

. Chamomile: safe, natural sedative

. Licorice: treats cold, ulcers and many gastro-intestinal disorders

. Mint: aids in digestion and tonic to the stomach

. Lavender: promotes serenity and sleepiness

. Nettle: improves digestion and aids in lowering blood sugar

. Vervein: aids digestion and is a mild sedative

Some of our Favourite Herbal Teas

Rooibos
. A tea made from a South African leguminous shrub

. Fruity and naturally sweet, this red hued tea is naturally caffeine free

. Safe for children

. A healing tea, it has 200 different compounds that promote healing and health. It works against depression, relieves cramps and is anti-allergic. It is packed full of anti-oxidants to deter the onset of cancer and is also an anti-inflammatory which combats heart disease.

Honeybush
. A tea from a yellow flowering bush native to South Africa

. Mild, refreshing and aromatic, it is low in tannin and caffeine free

. This tea has been used as a weapon against many diseases. It particularly has a beneficial effect on lung and respiratory disorders. It also contains anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties.

Oolong Tea
. Contains phenols that can inhibit cholesterol absorption

. Effective in preventing tooth decay and atopic dermatitis


Green Tea
. Powerful antioxidant

. Lowers cholesterol

. Boosts immune system

White Tea
. It is the least processed form of tea

. It has anti-viral and anti bacterial properties

. It is rich in cancer fighting antioxidants

Storing and Brewing

Storing
. Tea should be stored in a cool and dry place, in an opaque and airtight tin such as the ones we sell in our stores.

. The enemies of tea are air, light, moisture and odour from other foods.

. Tea is very absorbent. Store away from other foods.

. Do not refrigerate or freeze tea.

Brewing
. Use fresh, cold good tasting water. Fresh water contains more oxygen.

. Pre-heat the teapot by swirling around a little hot water.

. Use appropriate ratio of teas to water. This differs from variety to variety.

. Water should be near boiling; boiling water will cook the leaves.

. Steep for appropriate time, generally around 2 minutes.

Our Brands

Carmein
Carmein from the outskirts of Cape Town is grown on the family farms of Mientjie Mouton.

Carmein has a huge range of roiboos with all sorts of flavours as well as natural both in tea leaves and in bags. One of the few suppliers that was able to give us organic honeybush. Try the kids' roiboos, they'll love it.

Choice
One of the best selling organic teas in the U.S. From Green Moroccan mint to Ban Cha tea. The artistic packs come in 16 or 20 tea bags per box.


Ask for them in our cafe.