Ingredients
Hibiscus flowers, Indian sarsaparilla root, ginger root, natural flavors, rose petals, elderflowers and lemon myrtle.
Blend Numerology
Our color guidebook says you can see 24 shades of red in a cup of Big Hibiscus, including “Persian”, “Mars" and “Fiery."
Preparation
For best flavor, bring spring or freshly drawn filtered water to a boil (212 degrees). Steep 1 sachet or 1 rounded tsp (2.8 g) loose leaf for five minutes. If possible, play a little Django Reinhardt softly in the background.
- Select an Ingredient:
- Elderflowers
- ginger root
- Hibiscus Flowers
- Lemon Myrtle
- Pink Rose Petals
- Sarsaparilla
Elderflowers
Botanical from Bulgaria
An herbal infusion prized in Europe for its medicinal benefits, elderflower is now known in North America as a key ingredient in St-Germain liqueur. With a lightly floral, fresh and slightly spicy taste and aroma, elderflower adds subtle impact to blends. Our favorite is hand harvested near Samokov, Bulgaria, where the white flowers are cut from branches, dried in the shade, and carefully sorted for shipment to buyers in Europe and America.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country of eight million people in Southeast Europe that shares borders with five countries and offers beach front property along the Black Sea. While a battleground for the larger surrounding powers during ancient times, this country has found relative stability after World War II and is famous as a source for various botanicals, including elderflowers, which are harvested in the spring.
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.
Hibiscus Flowers
Egyptian Botanical
Hibiscus flower is cultivated in many coutries around the world including China, Thailand and Egypt. We particularly like the Egyptian variety–it is brighter, fruitier and more exciting. High in vitamin C, hibiscus is tart, deep red, and slightly earthy with concord grape-like characteristics.
Egypt
Egypt is one of the few countries with borders that stretch into two continents and is considered to be home to one of the three oldest civilizations. The Nile is the primary source of water for Egypt and much of the country's agriculture is situated near its banks. Hibiscus is harvested in the Fall.
Lemon Myrtle
Australian Botanical
Lemon Myrtle is commercially grown in Eastern Australia and the evergreen bush can be cultivated multiple times per year. It provides the unmistakable citrus notes in our Fez, Meadow, and Big Hibiscus teas.
Northern Rivers Region
The Northern Rivers Region is located in the far northeast of New South Wales in Australia, 500 km north of Sydney, Australia. Once on the decline, it has now been revitalized through niche crops (like Lemon Myrtle), hobby farming and tourism. We'd also like to think it was partly due to some of the fabulously named areas in the region, like the Gold Coast and Nightcap National Park. Camping anyone?
Pink Rose Petals
Indian Botanical
Pink rose petals are a favorite ingredient in our pantry. They provide sweetness and spice along with distinct floral qualities and are used to create complexity in a variety of our Signature Blends.
India
India is located in Southern Asia and is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations (Indus Valley). 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 herbs and spices that continue to be coveted around the world. Our pink rose petals come from several regions in India and are harvested in March.
Sarsaparilla
Indian Botanical
Sarsaparilla root from India is unlike sarsaparilla from other origins. It has a taste and aroma that is vanilla-like and creamy, making it ideal for use in chai and blends with rooibos, or simply enjoying by itself. A climbing plant that grows throughout India, the root is dug, washed, peeled and sun dried. The thicker roots of the sarsaparilla plant make the best and most flavorful brew.
Nilgiri
Nilgiri translates to "blue mountain". It is a range of mountains that are part of the larger Western Ghats and are located in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India. With over 24 peaks reaching higher than 2,000 meters, it made this area perfect for growing tea and other botanicals, along with providing the British in the Raj era respite during India's long hot summers.
