Fun Facts About Hibiscus

For the Love of Hibiscus

Gardening brings me immense joy as I witness the captivating transformation of colors throughout the seasons. Among my cherished late summer delights is a stunning hibiscus plant that gracefully drapes over the walkway in my backyard. Its presence creates a picturesque scene that never fails to enchant me.

The global appreciation for hibiscus spans across numerous cultures. Within the Hibiscus genus, there exist over two hundred species of shrubs and trees. While only the petals are typically steeped, it is worth noting that the entire plant is edible. Steeping the petals yields a vibrant red and tangy tea, rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanin—a type of antioxidant also found in berries. Anthocyanin is responsible for the appealing red color of berries and has been associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases.

Remarkably, studies focusing on hibiscus tea and its effects on blood pressure have predominantly involved human subjects. Consistently, the results indicate that this plant can effectively aid in reducing high blood pressure. However, caution should be exercised by individuals with already low blood pressure, as hibiscus tea may pose potential risks. It is advisable to remain vigilant and regularly monitor blood pressure levels.

Another remarkable attribute of hibiscus tea is its resemblance, both in taste and appearance, to cranberry juice, along with similar healing properties. Like cranberry juice, hibiscus tea is believed to be highly beneficial in alleviating and preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). While this overview provides a glimpse into the remarkable characteristics of this plant, it is reasonable to speculate that there is much more to discover regarding the extensive range of health benefits offered by this magnificent flower.

There is nothing like finding out that the flowers or plants in your yard have a long history, not only as a beautiful creation but also in the culinary and medicinal world. Keep a look out for more blogs about the power of plants!

At our tea house, we not only offer dried hibiscus flowers for sale but also have an extensive list of teas featuring hibiscus as a key ingredient. Among my personal favorites are “Happy Hibiscus” and “Current Affair.” These blends showcase the delightful flavors and unique qualities that hibiscus brings to our teas. The bright and cheerful notes of “Happy Hibiscus” and the intriguing blend of flavors in “Current Affair” make them truly enjoyable choices. Exploring the diverse range of hibiscus-infused teas is a delightful adventure that adds an extra layer of excitement to our tea offerings.

The Mama-te-a Story

The Story Behind our Wellness Teas:

At the end of 2021 I added a brand new line of wellness teas to my catalog. Twenty two to be exact, that is twelve more tea jars than I can fit on the main tea wall. That should be your first clue that this wellness line is something extra special and worth exploring.

This collection of wellness teas covers the spectrum of what you would desire in a wellness line. The cherry on top is that they are blended locally by Sally, owner of Mama-te-a.  She has attentively created a line of organic wellness teas that are blended with creativity and thoughtfulness. I wanted to share the story with all of you how this wellness line was conceived.

In 2015 Sally moved into a new homestead in Helvetia, Oregon, with a vision to grow chemical and toxin free medicinal  herbs and vegetables. She had grown up eating herbs and drinking tea, two things that  brought back good memories of her Grandmother and her in England.

Her motivation to take her understanding of herbs to the next level was catapulted into hyper speed when her 26 year old daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. With her daughter’s diagnosis, Sally was on a mission to figure out how she could use herbs to  support her daughter during this health crisis.  She consulted with an herbalist, and progressive doctors, where it became apparent to her that there are countless health benefits of blending herbs for tea. She began to grow more varied and specific herbs on her land, learning the many uses of the holistic medicinal properties behind each plant.  With all her knowledge she started creating tea blends to soothe & support her daughter through her aggressive cancer treatments and recovery. Her first blend, Recover, is a powerful combination of supportive herbs that have been historically been used to support the body through its own healing process. From this first tea sprung one “RE” wellness blend after another and another. ​Her homestead garden couldn’t keep up with the demands, but rest assured, she sources only organically grown herbs. ​

I am happy to report that Sally’s daughter is now doing well and less than a year after treatment stopped, a true miracle arrived that shocked everyone including her medical team, a beautiful, healthy grandson. Everyone is doing  great and George is now helping his Grandma in the garden with the hope that  he will  pass on all this knowledge to the next generation!

The season of stone fruit hath arrived

plum, recipe

 

Snag a Bag of Plums:

check out this amazing recipe with a black tea vinaigrette

Chef Anfernee, we like to call him Fern, loves to think outside the box. He finds fun and unique ways to prepare food with seasonal ingredients.  Cruise around his website and check out other recipes.  If you have any questions, be sure to send him a message! 

This plum salad is a pretty simple recipe. Boasting about 5 ingredients aside from the vinaigrette recipe. There aren’t too many distractions on the plate here. Simple flavors and textures that contrast and compliment. Leaving the ingredients un-warped really showcases their natural flavors. The plums have a soft sweetness and firm texture while the hazelnuts are earthy and crunchy. The yogurt holds everything together, while the black tea balsamic vinaigrette has a pop of edginess. Simple and comes together in a whip.

We all have a bunch of loose leaf tea or tea bags around. Tossing them is them in vinaigrette works to use them up. Black tea’s earthy tones can pair well with balsamic vinegar. Both are bold flavors, but they can come together harmoniously. Using the two in a vinaigrette prevents the tannins from becoming overwhelming. The oil helps tone them down along with the acidity. Tea in cooking isn’t ordinary, but great practice. It may seem weird to begin with, but trust, it’s great.

For this recipe, Fern used an Assam tea from Cup Of Tea, a local shop here in the Portland metro. They have a huge selection of tea and all the knowledge to find something you’ll like. If you have the chance, give their tea a try.        RECIPE

Upcoming Event: Tea Leaf Reading Workshop

What do you see in your cup? Learn to read tea leaves.

Register now to come learn the noble art of divination by tea leaf reading in this fun and informative class. This centuries-old fortune telling technique originated in China and traveled along tea and spice trade routes all over the world. Come enjoy a cup or two of delicious tea and see what symbols and messages your cup reveals to you. Participants will be given a handout with instructions, glossary of symbols, and resource list to take home with them.
Class is taught by the lovely AMANDA MAYTHER is a clinical herbalist, educator, and intuitive healer, who has been fascinated by and has explored different divination tools since childhood. She loves combining her clinical and intuitive skills to help her clients navigate their own physical, mental and emotional health and life challenges in their own unique way. She works with clientele in the Portland/Vancouver area. For more information about Amanda, please visit her website www.familyinbloom.com.

New Year, New Charity, New Artist

2022 Charity of the Year – Oregon Wild

Welcome to 2022! I am so excited to introduce to you our new charity for the year! Just like we have done since we opened, we will feature a Tea of the Month and donate 15% of its sale to our chosen charity.

Each month we will focus on one of the many conservation programs that Oregon Wild is steadfastly championing and we hope you will be inspired to support the preservation of our beautiful state.

Three things to know about Oregon Wild:

  1. Founded in 1974, Oregon Wild represents the fish and wildlife, ancient forests, and rich diversity of public lands and landscapes that make this state so special. Oregon Wild supporters help protect and restore our wildlands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for the future generations.
  2. Across five decades, Oregon Wild has successfully fought to protect nearly two million acres of Wilderness, over 2,000 miles of Wild & Scenic Rivers, countless endangered wildlife such as gray wolves, vast stretches of old growth forests, and essential ecosystems. All of these are integral in the fight against Global Warming.
  3. January’s Tea of the Month sales will help fund the fight to preserve Mt. Hood National Forest. It has been 40 years since there has been an update to the management plan for Mt. Hood National Forest. Congressman Blumenauer and Senator Wyden have been working on a new plan for the last 10 years.

Tea of the Month

mt hood medows loose tea in cupMt. Hood Meadow is a fruity and dreamy delicacy: Peach deluxe! Think fruits a la mode. Who can resist sun ripened peaches, topped with sweet vanilla ice-cream and lavender whipped cream? Absolutely to die for!

New Artists 2022

Isn’t the new poster incredible?!?!

I am thrilled to introduce the incredibly talented Aki Ruiz. Desert cryptid “Aki Ruiz” is a multi-disciplined animator, illustrator, and comic artist whose vibrant work tells stories of worlds in-between. He grew up in the eternal summertime of San Jose, California, and currently resides in rainy Portland, Oregon. He has a BFA degree in animation/illustration from San Jose State University, where he graduated magna cum laude.

Welcome Graham Schmidt, my other amazing artist. Nomadic house-hob “Graham Schmidt” has been a stylus-for-hire illustrator since 2003, working under the nom-de-plume “Grimmalkin”. He was first sighted in a Circle K parking lot in California, asleep in a handbag. For the next 30 years, his adventures took him up the West Coast to Portland, Oregon, where he earned a BFA at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. He is currently in Wisconsin.