Gingerbread

• Black Tea Assam (South India): Provides a robust, malty base
• Green Tea China Sencha: Adds a fresh, slightly grassy note
• Dates (with rice flour): Contributes natural sweetness
• Cinnamon Sticks: Adds warm, spicy notes
• Orange Peels: Provides citrusy brightness
• Star Anise: Contributes a licorice-like flavor
• Clove: Adds aromatic, slightly pungent notes
• Cardamom (whole and powdered): Provides a complex, slightly sweet spice
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty flavor
• Vanilla: Contributes a smooth, sweet note
• Natural Flavoring and Natural Orange Flavoring: Enhance overall aroma and taste profile

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.

Key Components and Their Herbal Benefits:

The Gingerbread blend offers a sophisticated tea experience that not only indulges the palate but also provides potential health benefits. It serves as an excellent choice for those seeking a flavorful, antioxidant-rich beverage to complement a health-conscious lifestyle.

1. Black Tea Assam:
   • Rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, potent antioxidants that may protect against cellular damage
   • Contains caffeine, which can enhance alertness and cognitive function
   • May support cardiovascular health
2. Green Tea China Sencha:
   • High in catechins, particularly EGCG, known for their strong antioxidant properties
   • May support metabolism and weight management
   • Potential to improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation
3. Cinnamon:
   • Contains anti-inflammatory compounds
   • May help regulate blood sugar levels
   • Supports digestive health
4. Orange Peels:
   • Rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, supporting immune function
   • Contains compounds that may aid digestion
5. Star Anise, Clove, Cardamom, and Nutmeg:
   • Possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
   • May aid in digestion and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort
   • Some, like clove, have natural antimicrobial properties
6. Vanilla:
   • Known for its calming effects, potentially reducing stress and anxiety
   • Contains small amounts of antioxidants

This premium tea blend combines the rich flavors of black and green teas with the potential health-promoting properties of various spices and natural ingredients. The sophisticated fusion offers a complex taste profile while supporting overall well-being, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate both flavor and function in their daily tea ritual.

Heritage and Cultural Significance of Key Components:

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, who discovered indigenous tea plants in the region. Assam tea quickly gained popularity for its strong, malty flavor and became a staple in many Indian chai blends, playing a significant role in India's tea culture.

Green Tea China Sencha: While Sencha is most commonly associated with Japan, its roots trace back to China. Green tea has been an integral part of Chinese culture for over 4,000 years, valued initially for its medicinal properties before becoming a popular beverage. It represents the philosophy of harmony between humans and nature in traditional Chinese medicine.

Spices (Cinnamon, Star Anise, Clove, Cardamom, Nutmeg): These spices have been treasured for millennia, playing crucial roles in the spice trade that shaped global history. Cinnamon and cloves were highly prized in ancient Egypt and Rome. Star anise has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years. Cardamom is native to India and has been a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Nutmeg, native to the Banda Islands in Indonesia, was once so valuable in Europe that wars were fought over its control.

Orange Peels: Citrus fruits have been cultivated for thousands of years, with oranges believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Orange peels have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and European herbal practices for centuries, valued for their aromatic oils and potential health benefits.

Vanilla: Originating in Mexico, vanilla was used by the Aztecs to flavor their chocolate drinks. It was later introduced to Europe by Spanish conquistadors and has since become one of the world's most popular flavorings, playing a significant role in global culinary traditions.

The Gingerbread blend offers a sophisticated tea experience that honors centuries of tea cultivation and spice trade history. It's an ideal choice for tea enthusiasts seeking to explore the rich tapestry of global flavors in a single, harmonious blend. Each sip tells a story of cultural exchange and refinement, from the tea gardens of India to the spice routes of Asia and beyond.