No one really knows the true origins of the Boysenberry, a hybrid of many fruits, but some suggest it came from Northern California, USA, in the early 20th Century. Others believe it is native to the UK although there is little evidence to support this. What is known for certain, however, is that New Zealand is now the world’s biggest producer of the boysenberry, which is widely cultivated for the production of jams, jellies and, of course, fruit teas.
But, in many ways, it all comes back to America, the unofficial home of the Fruit Tea. Back in the 1700’s when the Americas were still under the watchful eye of the British Empire, many colonial citizens had grown tired of extortionate taxes on tea importation. As a result, in 1773, a group of soon-to-be-Americans boarded three vessels in the Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea in the water in protest of taxation, which would in time become known as “The Boston Tea Party”.
The event helped to spark the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and ultimately, played a key role in the establishment of the United States of America. But during that time, tea leaves were difficult to come by in America and alternatives were needed. Enter Fruit Tea, a beverage that, during the time, could be made with great ease as all of the ingredients were readily available throughout the land!
So, lift high the Stars and Stripes and enjoy a cup of delicious Boysenberry Fruit Tea today, only with The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Enjoy it as a steaming hot cuppa’ or a refreshing Iced Tea!
Type of Tea: Fruit Tea.
Ingredients: Boysenberries, Orange Peel, Hibiscus Flowers, Rosehip, and Apple Pieces.
How to Serve: This beverage is best served as it is. Consider enjoying it as an Iced Tea, however.
Tasting Notes: Boysenberry Fruit Tea packs a punch; a fruity one at that! It consists of a luxuriously sweet aroma which transcends with its taste coupled with tart undertones.
Colour in Cup: Bold red liquor, dark in tone.
Health Benefits: Hibiscus is perhaps the most nutritional ingredient in this beverage. In fact, it’s now thought that drinking 3 cups of Hibiscus Tea a day can reduce the risks of developing kidney disease and heart disease, as well as reducing the risks of having a stroke, according to a study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA). The research project saw sixty-five people aged between 30 to 70, all of whom were considered “at risk” from high blood pressure, split into two groups. The first group of participants consumed Hibiscus Tea three times a day, while the second group was given a placebo. After a six week period, the results determined that the Hibiscus Group “showed an average fall of 7.2 percent in blood pressure, with some recording a 13.2 percent drop. The placebo group, in comparison, recorded a 1.3 percent drop”." />
