Description

CALENDULA PETALS

(Herbal blending component)

Small Batch Blended and Packed in Canada. HACCP Certified.

Ingredients From: Egypt

Region(s): Nile River Delta

Shipping Port(s): Alexandria

Grade(s): 1st Grade petals

Growing Altitudes: 1 - 100 feet above sea level

Manufacture Type(s): Field grown, sun dried

Cup Characteristics: Colorful petals have a neutral flavor.

Infusion: Tending yellowish but very light

Antioxidant / Caffeine Level: Low / Caffeine Free herb

Luxury Ingredients: Calendula petals

Information: Most herbs and flowers have a symbolic meaning. Calendula means hopelessness but Rose means love, passion and purity. Perhaps a blend of tea combined with Calendula and Rose petals would mean a tea, which honors those hopelessly in love.

The Calendula plant is also known as the pot marigold and as a flowering herb has always been a garden favorite. It botanical name is Calendula - a name which came from the Romans who observed that in their warm Mediterranean climate the colorful blooms were always present. The name originated because the flower could be seen on the first day of each month - the calends. The marigold is believed to have originated in India and seeds were brought to Europe by the early Persian spice traders.

The petals are dried and infused to make a hot beverage but they have also been used to make a healthy broth, make a salad more visually appealing and surprisingly have also been used in the manufacture of marigold cheese. The special properties of Calendula as suggested in home remedies are as follows: calendula tea can be used for gastritis and a warm gargle has been used to soothe canker sores. The tea has also been recommended for women with painful menstruation or menopausal problems. For a stimulating bath, try adding calendula petals. Some hair stylists use a Calendula infusion as a hair rinse to bring out the highlights in brunette or blond hair.

Tea uses - Since the Calendula petals are flavor neutral they can be used to decorate any tea blend. In fact for tea shops that want to create their own signature blends, Calendula can make your blend distinctive and a blend that only ‘you’ can create. This special blend helps build loyalty amongst your customers and is well worth the effort.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon for each 7-9oz/200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time, the better the flavor as more fruit and herb flavor is extracted). Garnish and sweeten to taste

SERVING THIS AS ICED TEA IS GENERALLY NOT RECOMMENDED. HOWEVER, SHOULD YOU WISH TO BREW IT ANYWAY, PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW: Iced tea brewing method (Pitcher): (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml into the pot. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. 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 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): Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving into the pot. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the leaves. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Sweeten and/or add lemon to taste. 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!)

RECOMMENDATION: We recommend the use of our ‘1 Cup of Perfect Tea’ measuring spoon for best results.

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.

Ideal Brewing Temperature: 100ºC/212ºF. Minimum Brewing Temperature: 90ºC/194ºF