Elderberry Black Tea
a full-bodied black tea with intense berry taste
Also available in 1 lb. resealable bag
FLAVOR PROFILE
Elderberry Black Tea Traditional medicine uses the flavorful elderberry to aid the respiratory system and give a boost to the immune system. Early pioneers prized the berries to ease ailments such as the common cold. Today, the elderberry is once again growing in popularity as many seek nature's alternatives to over-the-counter medications in treating cold and flu symptoms.
This immunity-boosting tea is a lovely blend of high-grown Ceylon black tea, superfood elderberries and cranberries, benefit-boosting elderflowers and blackberry and lime leaves with a sprinkling of golden safflowers. The overall cup is fruity with the rich notes of black tea that we all love.
BENEFITS
As a black tea, Elderberry Black Tea contains moderate levels of caffeine, approximately half of a cup of coffee cup per cup.
As with all quality black teas, like ours, this tea contains high levels of antioxidants.
Black tea** offers a variety of health benefits as it contains powerful polyphenols with antioxidant properties that may decrease the risk of chronic disease, improve gut health and boost immunity. Polyphenols also decrease cancer cell development. Black tea also contains flavonoids, another group of antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Widely believed to help improve focus and alertness as the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea increases alpha activity in the brain.
Studies on elderberry have shown it to boost the immune system and to decrease the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
Elderflower petals are best known for their antiviral effects and ability to alleviate respiratory inflammation.
Blackberry leaves contain the antioxidant quercetin with powerful anti-inflammatory effects that may help control blood sugar levels and help prevent heart disease.
Lime leaves have calming properties that help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Safflower petals are not just pretty, but actually powerful. Studies have shown that safflower may help lower cholesterol and improve overall heart health. In addition, safflower has anti-inflammatory properties and may even improve circulation.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Elderberry Black Tea is excellent served hot or iced. This tea takes well to sugar and other sweeteners. Lemon slices may be added if desired.
PREPARATION
Traditional Hot Tea
Measure one heaping teaspoons of tea leaves per one cup water into a tea filter or into an infuser of your choice. Keep in mind, the infuser you choose must be large enough to allow the tea leaves to swell and unfurl. This allows the tea leaves to release their full flavor. Place filter into teapot or mug. Bring filtered or freshly drawn water to a boil then pour into teapot or mug. Infuse 1-2 minutes, for mild flavor, 2-3 minutes for medium flavor and 3-5 minutes for bold flavor and highest level of antioxidants. Remove the filter and discard or remove infuser and discard tea leaves. Garnish as desired with sugar or other sweeteners.
Iced Tea
Measure eight to ten heaping teaspoons of tea leaves into a tea filter and place into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Bring 2 cups of filtered or freshly drawn water to a boil. Immediately pour boiled water over filter into teapot or heat-resistant pitcher. Infuse 3-5 minutes. Remove filter and sweeten tea with ½ cup sugar if desired. Add 2 cups of filtered or freshly drawn water to a serving pitcher. Pour in prepared tea and mix well. Add 2 cups of ice and stir. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Cold-infusion Method*
Measure six to eight teaspoons of tea leaves into a tea filter and place inside a clean glass jar or small pitcher. Position filter so that the tea leaves will be submerged and the top hangs over the side of the jar or pitcher so that leaves do not spill out once water is added. Pour four cups of filtered or freshly drawn water over the filter. Cover with lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate 8-12 hours (or overnight). To serve this tea hot, simply pour the cold-infused tea into a saucepan over medium heat and gently warm to desired temperature.
*Cold-infused tea has higher levels of antioxidants, less caffeine and less tannins resulting in a smoother cup.
Due to the inclusion of black tea leaves, Elderberry Black Tea may be infused a second time, although flavor will be lighter, using either traditional infusing methods or cold-infusion.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Elderberry Black Tea, like all teas, should be stored out of direct light and in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, this tea will stay fresh for up to two years.
INGREDIENTS: black tea, elderberries, elderflower, blackberry leaves, lime leaves, cranberry pieces, safflower petals, natural flavors (organic compliant)
**Autumn Enloe, MS, RD, LD, “10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Black Tea” Healthline, May 16, 2018
