Discovering Terroir, Production, and Brewing Techniques
Herbal teas, often colloquially termed “tea,” stand apart from true tea derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant, which naturally contains caffeine. In contrast, herbal infusions are crafted from a diverse array of herbs, flowers, and fruits, offering caffeine-free alternatives. It’s worth noting that certain herbal plants, such as yerba mate and guarana from South America, can serve as coffee substitutes, challenging the notion that all non-tea plants are caffeine-free.
In Western culture, the term “tea” is generously applied to include herbal concoctions like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile, brewed and enjoyed akin to traditional tea. Precision in language might suggest using terms like “herbs,” “tisanes,” “botanicals,” or “infusions” when discussing herbal blends, acknowledging the nuanced diversity of these plant-based beverages.
This blog post delves into the origins of herbal infusions, shedding light on its production method and terroirs. Additionally, it provides insights on the optimal way to brew a delicious herbal infusion.
The Production of Herbal Teas
The production of herbal teas follows a straightforward yet diverse process. Plants, whether harvested from the wild (such as poppy and chaga mushroom) or cultivated on an industrial scale (as with chamomile), are typically dried using natural methods like shade or sunshine, along with room or mechanical drying.
While the traditional approach involves a simple harvest and drying, contemporary methods introduce innovations, like rolling and oxidation for herbs such as fireweed, imparting characteristics akin to black tea. Some herbal teas even undergo pressing into cakes or bricks, reminiscent of traditional Chinese teas like puerh.
In contrast to the intricate processing of true teas from the Camellia Sinensis plant, the complexity of herbal teas arises from the diverse array of plants utilized. Various plant parts, including leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, bark, and seeds, contribute to the rich tapestry of the herbal tea universe. These teas can be enjoyed on their own or in creative blends crafted by herbalists or connoisseurs known as “tea blenders.”
While some blends undergo an aromatizing process, at Tea Kulture, we advocate for the artisanal crafting of infusions, relying on nature rather than artificial means.
Exploring Different Terroirs
Embarking on a journey through the diverse terroirs of herbal teas unveils a unique landscape, where geographical origins stretch beyond the conventional tea-producing powerhouses like India and China.
In contrast to the specific climate requirements of tea plants, herbs used in herbal infusions, including chamomile, plantain, sorrel, yarrow, nettle, and dandelion, can flourish in regions such as Belgium and the Netherlands, commonly found in local gardens.
However, the realm of herbal teas knows no bounds, and the rich biodiversity in every corner of the world contributes to the distinct flavors, aromas and health benefits of the botanical universe. For instance, Iceland moss may be exclusive to northern regions, while certain medicinal plants thrive solely in the Amazon rainforest. Despite this, commonplace plants like chamomile can grow in anyone’s garden, and opting for local alternatives might be the most sustainable choice.
Explore our herbal blends originating from countries spanning from the Netherlands to Nepal.
How To Brew Herbal Infusions
Brewing herbs is a simple process that starts with using water just off the boil to draw out the full, rich taste along with its health properties.
The infusion time can be adjusted to personal preference, with a brief steeping period for a subtle taste and a longer steeping period resulting in a stronger flavor.
Some herbal infusions are versatile and can be enjoyed either hot or cold, making delightful options for iced tea.
If uncertain about the brewing process, you can refer to the specific tea guidance on our website or embark on a bit of experimentation to discover the method that aligns best with your taste preferences. Learn more about how to brew a delicious cup of tea.
