Let’s continue with our iced tea series and look at another very popular tisane here at Local Coffee + Tea. I will follow the same format and break down the featured ingredients so you can appreciate the delicious blend of flavors and the benefits provided with Peach Paradise.

I enjoyed finding out these details and stories and hope you will too.

PEACH PARADISE

A beautiful all natural fruit blended Tisane or fruit infusion made from peach and apple pieces, hibiscus blossoms, elderberries, rose hip peel, passion fruit and sunflower.

Peach Paradise

Peach (Prunus persica)

This tree is native to China but grown in the Mediterranean states as well as the USA, where the 3 largest producers are California, South Carolina and Georgia. The peach blossoms are highly prized in Chinese culture and the fruit is symbolic of long life. Due to its delicious taste and soft texture in ancient China ‘peach’ was also slang for ‘young bride’ and it has remained in many cultures as a way to define pretty young women ( peachy or peachy keen ). Low in calories and a good source of healthy carbohydrates the peach contains important nutrients, anti-oxidants, flavonoids and carotenoids (good for eye health).

Apple (Malus domestica)

Containing anti-oxidants, flavonoids and pectin a natural fiber (apples being the richest source) which has recently been shown to act against bad cholesterol, decrease the chances of colon cancer and reduce high blood pressure.  Quercetin which is primarily found in Apples (and Black tea) belongs to a group of plant pigment flavonoids that help fight disease.

(The term ‘The Big Apple’ was coined by the touring jazz musicians of the 1930’s who used the slang expression ‘apple’ for any town or city, therefore to play New York City was to play the big time.)

Citrus Peel (C. medica)

The peel of citrus fruit is bitter and not very appetizing when raw but adds great taste and health benefits when dried and added to tea. Citrus peel contains vitamins, minerals, fiber and powerful antioxidants that belong to a group of plant chemicals called flavonoids, which have the potential to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

Hibiscus Petals (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Hibiscus is a member of the mallow family and it brings a sweet mellow taste and harmony to this blend. Hibiscus has become very popular to blend with other fruits and flowers because of the beautiful color of the infused sepals. It has a cooling effect on the body and is high in Vitamin C also having some calcium, niacin, riboflavin and iron. In Folklore medicine Hibiscus is said to reduce cholesterol and act as a mild diuretic.

Rose Hip Peel (Rosa canina)

From the Wild Dog Rose which takes its name from its earliest use as a remedy for bites from ‘mad’ or ‘wild’ dogs.  Estimated to be more than 10,000 cultivated roses the medicinal species are natives of Europe, the Rose hips are reddish colored coverings that grow around the real fruits for protection and for this reason they are often called “false fruits”. The nutrient value is as rich as their color and they enhance the function of everything from your skin to your innermost being, containing an array of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.

Peach Paradise should be prepared using one teaspoon per 8 oz of water. Fruit tisanes do release quite a lot of flavor so you may need to experiment until you find your personal preference. Use boiling water and an infusion time of up to 12 minutes, the longer the tea is infused the more depth of flavor and color will be achieved.  The spent bits can be added to yogurt for a bit a flavor and texture.

I have blended with our Nilgiri black tea for delicious iced tea. Don’t forget if you are placing over ice then increase the amount of tea or reduce the amount of water. Add a slice of succulent peach to finish and enjoy!

Cheers,

the TeaLady