Black Rose

Ingredients:

Organic oolong tea
Organic roasted yerba mate
Organic hawthorn leaf & flower
Organic rose petals
Organic cacao nibs
*Black currant berries
Organic blackberries
Organic hibiscus petals

*grown by Seed of Life. Everything grown here is from non-GMO seeds, and raised without the use of any synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

What’s in the tea?

This blend begins with oolong tea as the base. Oolong tea is fermented longer than green tea, but not as long as black tea. This gives it its own place and flavor in the world of teas. The darkness of oolongs can vary depending on how long the leaves have been oxidized. I chose a darker oolong tea for its rich taste, and brought in roasted yerba mate, hawthorn leaf and flower, and rose petals for an energizing tea blend that also brings ease to the heart.

Yerba mate is an energizing herb that is full of caffeine and antioxidants. Roasting it brings out a rich, nutty flavor, which plays well with the dark oolong. Hawthorn, which is in the same plant family as the rose, is known to be nourishing to the heart. In mythology, the hawthorn tree is the tree of love and protection. Rose petals bring their rose essence, and their beauty contributes to the heart-centered energy of this tea. Roses and the heart are forever intertwined, for the rose is the age-old symbol of love. In the Ayurvedic tradition, the rose is said to awaken inner beauty. 

Cacao nibs bring the deep, moody feel of chocolate to this heart-nourishing tea blend, and black currant berries, blackberries, and hibiscus petals bring a tart, fruity finish. 

Just a suggestion: A piece of dark chocolate is wonderful with this tea. They go together like, well, chocolate and roses. This tea also makes a delicious latte with some chocolate melted into it, any additional sweetener you prefer, and cream or milk.

Steeping guidelines: 

2 tsp. tea to 8 ounces water
Water temp: nearly boiling, or around 204
Steep time: 5-6 minutes

Tea Story

This tea blend came about during one particularly cold, rainy spring. I found myself wishing for something different for my afternoon tea – something less strong than my morning black tea but with a deeper flavor profile than green tea. It was also a season of life when my heart was feeling the heaviness of the world. I found roses on my mind, and began experimenting with roses and tea. The rest, as they say, is history.

“Make the world go away;
Get it off,
get it off my shoulders…”

-Elvis Presley, Make the World Go Away

Please note: All statements regarding the healing properties of the plants in this blend have not been evaluated by the FDA. This tea is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. All ingredients are clearly listed. Do your research, use caution, and please consult a doctor before drinking if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications. While the herbs in this tea blend are generally considered safe, each body is different. Some herbals may interact adversely with certain medical conditions or medications. Take your tea with care.