Lavender Super Blue (French Select)

Description

The lavender fields of Provence have been described, "In the solitude of the Lure Mountains, lavender grows everywhere. At harvest time the evenings are lavender-embalmed. When you have lived the lavender nights and these days you are forever attached to the spirit of this perfume". Lavender flowers are gathered when they first start to bloom and are dried on a cloth, as they tend to fall apart. Lavender is most often used for perfuming, but it is also an excellent plant for infusions and has an agreeable floral flavor.

Herbalists recommend lavender to treat migraines, ease digestive spasms, and for certain respiratory problems. Lavender is also used for soothing the nervous system, (see below directions for preparation as an infusion). Lavender is also used as a local anesthetic. It is applied as a compress directly on a cut, bruise or sprain. To make lavender decoction boil 3 tablespoons of flowers in 1 liter (or quart) for 10 minutes. For bee stings, a teaspoon of petals in a sachet soaked in very hot water and then applied to the sting can help ease the pain and swelling. Lavender is often used to make a bath a pure aromatic delight. The practice of using it in bathes dates to ancient Rome where lavender was so prized that few of the aristocracy considered bathing without it. Proof of this can be found in the root of lavenders names: In Latin, lavare means "to wash?. To make a nice vinegar-bases cleansing lotion to sweeten up bathwater and use as a hair rinse after shampooing, soak 1/2 cup of lavender in 1 quart of cider vinegar and allow to "brew? for 1 week.
Lavender has been used as a natural pesticide. Rubbing the wood of cabinets and cupboards with the essential oil keeps mites and flies away. The dried flowers are also placed in a cloth sachet and hung in wardrobes and linen closets to keep insects and mites at bay.
Tea uses - Since Lavender has quite an aroma and flavor profile it is often used to give a tea a special signature. Lavender mixed with Earl Grey gives a very interesting "twist?. In fact for teashops that want to create their own signature blends, Lavender can make your blend distinctive and a blend that only "you? can create. A special blend helps build loyalty amongst your customers and is well worth the effort.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Herbal Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.