09.21.09 Green Honeybush

September 22nd, 2009

Before I ever create new blends with ingredients I am unfamiliar with, I have to infuse the individual ingredients separately, so I get an idea what I am working with. Some components are actually pretty good on their own (I recently tried a licorice root infusion for a blend we are working on that will have licorice root in it; and it was actually decent just by itself). On the other hand, some items just really need to be blended with something else. Clove and anise infusions are too much for me. But occasionally, we run across a new ingredient that is so startlingly delicious, like this green honeybush, that I just have to offer it up by itself to let you see how great it is.

The green honeybush, like the oxidized red honeybush, is naturally sweet, like a Chinese green tea, but with a slight hint of lemony citrusy goodness. I found it very refreshing as an iced beverage, and look forward to hearing what you guys think.

You may recall me telling you in previous posts that honeybush is an African evergreen shrub, very similar to the rooibos plant. It is 100% caffeine free and packed with anti-oxidants and other healthy stuff. If you are interested in learning more about honeybush and it’s properties, please check out this site operated by the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa.

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