Smith Tea Meadow

CYANI FLOWERS

Botanical from Albania

This blue blossom, also called cornflower, is used primarily by teamakers to add color to dry blends. Grown in Eastern Europe, the flower is handpicked and the calyx removed, leaving thin blue threads of color with little flavor impact. We like the way it makes our Meadow blend look - almost like confetti.

CHAMOMILE FLOWERS

Egyptian Botanical

With a soothing characteristic and subtle taste and aroma that is apple-like and toasty, chamomile is one of the most popular herbal ingredients on the market.

ROOIBOS

South African Botanical

Rooibos, also known as red bush, is perhaps the most tea-like and naturally caffeine-free beverage in the world. During the 20th Century, red bush went from being a mostly indigenous drink of South Africa to a global commodity and a cash crop for the Clanwilliam district. Rooibos is also known to be high in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Similar to tea, rooibos generally undergoes an oxidation process after the leaves are cut, when it develops a uniquely sweet and creamy flavor, without the astringency of black tea. It is a common alternative to coffee or tea because it also stands up well to milk and sugar and can be served in various forms quite easily (hot, iced, lattes, etc.). Rooibos can also be steamed after being picked to stop the oxidation process, which will keep it as green rooibos, a more vegetal and floral flavor than the more common red rooibos.

HYSSOP

Southern Oregon Botanical

Hyssop is a well-loved ingredient in our pantry. We use hyssop for structure and sweetness in a variety of blends. It grows best in arid regions and is particularly suited for the dry climate of Southern Oregon. Seeds are sprouted in greenhouses during the early spring to avoid frost and are then transported to prepared fields for the dry, hot summer. The fields are irrigated with fresh water regularly, helpng the hyssop to flourish in the heat. After harvest, th hyssop is dried and sorted for market.

PINK ROSE PETALS

Indian Botanical

Pink rose petals are a favorite ingredient in our pantry. They provide sweetness and spice along with distinct floral qualities and are used to create complexity in a variety of our Signature Blends.

SAFFLOWER

Botanical from China

Firey in color, with a bright yellow brew color, Safflower is often mistaken or used in place of safron, that is until someone tastes it. Safflower is slightly sweet with notes of squash. It also produces a texture that we use to round out brighter qualities of other herbs when blending.

LINDEN LEAF & FLOWER

Botanical from Bulgaria

Grown in Eastern Europe, these dried leaves and flowers have been used for centuries as medicine. We love them for the texture and florality that they bring to blends like Meadow.

LEMON MYRTLE

Australian Botanical

Lemon Myrtle is commercially grown in Eastern Australia and the evergreen bush can be cultivated multiple times per year. It provides the unmistakable citrus notes in our Fez, Meadow, and Big Hibiscus teas.