Lavender Butterfly

Description

Although not recognized as such, the Tibetan Plateau, where the Lavender used in this remarkable tea blend is grown, could easily be listed as one of the great wonders of the World. The Plateau, often called the Rooftop of the World is about 4 or 5 times the size of France or Texas and stretches out between the magnificent peaks of the Himalayas at an average elevation of over 4500 meters. The plateau is home to brackish lakes, tundra, grasslands, dessert and is the third least inhabited corner of the world after Antarctica and Greenland. Still, from this arid vastness, nomadic tribesmen and their families have carved out a living, driving yaks from place to place under the immense sky.

For generations, one of the ways the nomads have supplemented their income is by harvesting the wild Lavender that grows in and around the lakes and grasslands of the plateau. When the flowers bloom, it is like a flowing sea of fragrant purple. The nomad families pluck the flowers, dry them in the sun and bring them down from the mountains, usually into Lhasa. While the adults work, the children amuse themselves by trying to catch the many butterflies that are attracted to the fragrant flowers. While it may seem hard to believe, a species of butterflies known as Parnassius are actually native to the Himalayas and have adapted to the high altitudes. From one range to the next, various genetic mutations occur meaning that the butterflies in one area exist nowhere else. The sight of the pluckers' children chasing after the multi-hued insects is one that makes it feel as though the entire scene is being played out in heaven. (Which, when you consider the altitude, it almost is.)

We're pleased to offer this fabulous tea that combines the sweet ethereal flavor of lavender with an exceptional Hunan green tea. The cup is exemplary with notes of sweet grass, moss and honey leading to a finish sprinkled with peach, and floral tones. It's an amazing tea from an amazing corner of Earth. Try serving it with delicate pastries or a citrus parfait. It's an excellent dessert tea.

Steeping Instructions

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

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.