Winter Palace Marzipan Rooibos

Description

So what exactly does a tisane that blends South African Rooibos with Moroccan almonds and marzipan have to do with an 18th century Russian palace? Great question. It's a long and convoluted tale.

St. Petersburg's Winter Palace was commissioned by Catherine the Great and built between 1754 and 1762. As it goes, the architect that was charged with designing the opulent structure, with its 1,786 doors and 1,945 windows, was an Italian named Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Rastrelli, knowing nothing of Russia or Catherine the Great, naturally wanted to bring the comforts of home with him to his new city. For the architect this included the sweet taste of Marzipan, or in Italian Marzipane, made famous by the artisans of Palermo who molded the confection to resemble fresh fruit. In particular, he loved a special version made with Moroccan almonds, imported to Sicily via Tunisia. In his traveling chests he stockpiled enough to last him through his first season. Unbeknownst to Rastrelli his patron, Catherine the Great, was also a lover of Marzipan. However, owing to her German descent, she was born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst, it was typically the Germanic version of the sweet treat she craved.

Unbeknownst to Rastrelli, Catherine the Great was also a great lover of the men-folk. One day while casually enjoying a papaya shaped piece of Marzipan after lunch, Catherine spotted him in the hall. It was love at first sight. Rastrelli offered her some of his dessert, Catherine acquiesced and offered him.well.we can't go there. In the end, the Winter Palace was completed a little behind schedule perhaps, but at least the architect had a smile on his face.

As in the immortal words of Jack Palance: "Believe it or not". To celebrate the fortuitous nature of this historical meeting we've blended this fantastic herbal tea with Rooibos, almond pieces, dried papaya and natural flavors. Enjoy the almond-like flavors of love.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Rooibos 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.