Salus My Favorite Tea

Tea has something mystical. Therefore, in regions where always plenty of tea was drunk, there are often special tea related rituals. From generation to generation the type of preparation has been continuously perfected. In China, Tibet, Morocco or Eastern Friesland in Germany the preparation of tea is a well-defined ceremony. It is the epitome of hospitality and accordingly is approached very conscientiously. In Morocco cooking is traditionally women's work. Except for the tea. From Marrakech to Mauritania the man of the house himself namely insists on infusing the tea for his guests. Even for the Bedouins of the Sahara the preparation of tea is a male domain. In China women and men equally prepare tea. Whether simple green tea, subtle oolong or flavored jasmine tea – to get a perfect cup every step requires the full concentration. However, the preparation of tea is nowhere as ritualized as in Japan. As a practical form of Zen Buddhism the way of tea (Chado or Sado) evolved there half a millennium ago. The Japanese tea ceremony involves much more than serving exquisite tea. The tea path follows four basic principles: Jaku (Silence), Wa (harmony), Kei (respect) and Sei (purity). The common tea drinking is done in reverent silence. In these time one leaves the stresses of everyday life completely behind. The preparation of tea is celebrated in an atmosphere of respect and attentiveness. The correct implementation requires to accurately follow extensive regulations. Through regular practice, it should eventually be completely internalized. A true tea master no longer needs to think while preparing the tea. Over the years, it becomes ingrained. To do one thing - for example serving tea - conscientiously while keeping calm, can be referred to as „the goal“ of the way of tea. If you aim for implementing the principles of the way of tea in everyday life you become „Chajin“ (tea person).

Unlike in Japan the spiritual aspect of tea is rather neglected in Europe. Maybe tea is simply not been drunken long enough over here. In China it is known for 5,000 years after all. In contrast, the Europeans could not enjoy the coveted hot beverage up until the 17th century. And then only if they visited the Princely courts. The Englishman were a little better off, they could drink tea in one of the nearly 500 „coffee shops“. However, the access was denied for women. Only in the second half of the 18th century, women were allowed to enjoy a cup of tea in the „tea gardens“. Since the first tea shop in London opened in 1717, tea has become indispensable from the daily lives of Britons. Then and now strong black tea is preferred on the island. Usually with milk and sugar. This tradition goes back to the early days of tea import. To bring the coveted goods from China or India to England the sailing ships of the British East India Company were often traveling for months. Meanwhile, the tea, lost much of its flavor. In Victorian England, one tried to compensate this with lots of milk and more sugar.

Although the delivery times shortened significantly ofter the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, there still appeared many tea shortages in Europe. Especially in countries without seaports, people were looking for alternatives. Besides classical herbal infusions one began to experiment with fruit. And soon it was clear that delicious drinks could be prepared also with sea buckthorn, lemon balm or rose hip. By definition, fruit tea is not tea, because it is not made from the leaves of the tea plant. Thus it also does not contain caffeine. By combining various fruits the different flavors are almost unlimited. Salus has summarized especially delicious tea blends in the line „Favorite Tea“.

Salus My Favorite Herbal Tea is a delicious refreshing organic herbal tea with 18 selected aromatic herbs, spices and fruits. Among others lemongrass herb, rose hips, eucalyptus leaves, apple pieces and licorice provide for a deliciously full-bodied flavor. A wonderful tea for the late evening. Especially beneficial once the weather is very uncomfortable.

Salus My Favorite Fruit Tea is a harmonious organic fruit tea with buckthorn and delicate wild berry flavor. The extra mild aroma is rounded of with hibiscus blossoms, hawthorn fruit and nana mint leaves. A wonderful tea for everyday for the whole family. In the summer it is also a great thirst quencher when enjoyed cold - ideal for a fruity refreshment in between. All three Favorite Teas are available in the family-friendly bulk size of 40 tea bags.