Relaxing chamomile tea, healthy herbal teas, refreshing hibiscus-based fruit teas and caffeine free rooibos or “Red Tea” are all very popular. The trouble is that none of these contain the tea plant. So why do we call them teas? The beverage “tea” has become generalized for a drink made by steeping anything in hot water. Technically, if what you’re steeping isn’t from the tea plant, it is a tisane.
1. Herbal Tisanes
Herbal Tisanes are very popular because they are functional. Many of these tisanes are ayurvedics (a-your-vay-dics) which is the name for the Indian system of medicine. There is no denying the effects of many plant-based tisanes and the affect on the body. Most people have experienced the effects of ginger to sooth their stomach or feel calming effects of chamomile tea. Some examples of herbal tisanes we carry at Short and Stout include Chamomile Citrus, Tummy Soother, Cold Chaser, Sleep Tight and Fit and Slim.
2. Fruit Tisanes
Fruit Tisanes are especially popular. Most have a hibiscus base which is tart. They can be enjoyed hot and also make great iced teas. Strawberry Festival, Blueberry Jubilee, Orange Pineapple Punch and Black and Blue (all the berries you can imagine) are some favorites at Short and Stout. Add a little bit of sugar and the flavor is as bold as a juice. Children of all ages love them.
3. Rooibos
Rooibos (roy-boss) also known as Red Tea is from a bush in South Africa that is well-regarded as a black tea alternative because of its robust flavor and its natural caffeine free quality. These make great desert drinks with flavors like Choco Mint Fantasy, Caramel Mystique and Vanilla Cream. We also have fruit flavors including Wild Blueberry and Orange Creamsicle.
4. Yerba Mate
The odd ball of all these caffeine free tisanes is Yerba Mate from Argentina. Yerba Mate is made either as green or roasted, but either way it has as much caffeine as coffee. Recently it has made its way as an ingredient into many energy drinks. Roasted Yerba Mate takes flavoring very well. Our Carnival Caramel and Hazelnut Mocha provide a strong bodied cup with great flavor. Yerba Mate is also in our Java Junction black tea. This tea actually has whole coffee beans, so it makes a great transition tea for those making the switch from coffee to tea.
Tea is only half of what’s available at Short and Stout. If you haven’t tried Fruit, Herbal, Rooibos or Yerba Mate tisanes you are missing another world just as rich as tea. Read more about tea at ShortAndStoutTea.com/blog.
At Short and Stout…It’s Time for Tea…and Tisanes!