Ingredients
Dried ginger, cassia, star anise, licorice, coconut flakes, black pepper, pineapple natural flavor and cassia essential oil.
Blend Numerology
No. 1804: In 1804, Haiti became the first free black republic after a successful rebel slave revolt from centuries of French colonialism.
Preparation
For best flavor, bring 8 oz. of spring or freshly drawn filtered water to a boil. Steep one sachet for five minutes. Enjoy with spiced banana cake.
- Select an Ingredient:
- Cassia Bark
- ginger root
- Licorice Root
- Star Anise
Cassia Bark
Sumatran Spice
Often called cinnamon, cassia is a spice with a significantly different flavor profile than true cinnamon. Grown in subtropical climates, its taste varies widely by origin, and quality is judged by the volatile oil content. In Kerinci in Sumatra, cassia bark is stripped and dried year round from a revolving crop of 10 – 12 year old trees that are continuously replanted. Cassia is sweet, hot and spicy and adds fragrance to our chai blend.
Sumatra
Sumatra is located amongst the Sundar Islands in western Indonesia and is the country's second largest island after Borneo. Marco Polo was said to have visited in 1292. The cinnamon trees need to be more than ten years old before their bark is suitable for harvest.
Ginger Root
Indian Spice
Ginger, used in many cultures to enliven food and drink, is also known for its healthful qualities. A light stimulant, it can treat cold symptoms and sore throat. Ginger is cultivated most prominently in India, China, Indonesia and West Africa. After the plant flowers and the leaves die off, the roots are dug, washed, peeled and sun dried. Ginger’s spicy-sweet flavor adds spark and complexity to our Big Hibiscus.
India
India is located in Southern Asia and is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations (Indus Valley shout out). It is a country rich in history, culture, religion, geography and so much more, and has been famous since ancient times as a source for spices that continue to be coveted around the world. Our ginger comes from several regions in India and is harvested multiple times during the year.
Licorice Root
Botanical from China
Licorice root comes from a herbaceous perennial that has been used medicinally for thousands of years in both the East and West. In modern times it has also become used as an ingredient in various tea blends. Licorice root is utilized to give body and sweetness to our holiday blend, Silent Night.
China
China is located in Eastern Asia and is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations. It is also the birthplace of tea and continues to lead on innovation in every tea category. Traditional Chinese Medicine is often practiced using an array of botanicals and spices, many of whcich are grown locally, including the licorice root in our pantry. Our licorice comes from several regions in China and is harvested in the spring and fall.
Star Anise
Chinese Spice
Star Anise is a spice made from the seed pod of the illicium verum, a medium-sized evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. Star Anise derives its name from the star shape of the pod which contains a single seed on each point. Both the seeds and pods contain the sweet, distinct anise flavor and are often used in a range of culinary dishes from sweet to savory.
Vietnam
Vietnam is the eastern most country of mainland Southeast Asia and shares its northern border with China. Vietnam was incorporated under Chinese influence as early as the 3rd century BCE and over the centuries, developed its own notable culture rich in history, architecture, cuisine and much more.
