Well Fed Network

Posted by Kristen Nweeia on A Nice Cuppa

Regardless of the time of day or temperature outside, fruit teas can provide flavor and fun for the entire family, from toddler to grandmother. Fruit teas are caffeine free, all natural, vitamin-packed alternatives to the well known black and green tea options. Made from dried fruit pieces and often blended with herbs, they technically aren’t “tea” since they don’t contain any camellia sinensis (the tea plant). But, since they are blended and brewed similarly to tea, many professionals and consumers have come to refer to them as “tea” just the same. Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders offer four fruity options: Peach, Mango, Kiwi-Strawberry and Orange-Passion Fruit. Each is made with dried fruit pieces, rosehips and hibiscus. Rosehips are the fruit produced by the rose plant and are loaded with vitamins C, D and E as well as Iron, essential fatty acids and flavonoids (considered to be antioxidants). Naturally free of caffeine, these blends are wonderful for children and adults, even those with dietary restrictions. Fruit teas create a brew the color of watered-down cranberry, they offer a fruity, naturally sweet and occasionally tangy taste. Delicious hot or iced, these fruity blends can even be used as the base for alcoholic concoctions for the more adventurous (they mix well with a splash of rum or vodka). Harney & Sons offers these fruit teas in loose-leaf form in 4oz tins for $6.25 or by the pound for $19. Images above property of Harney & Sons.

Republic of Tea offers a citrus alternative within their Organic USDA Flowering Fruit Tea. Like Harney & Sons’ fruit teas, Republic of Tea’s blend also contains healthy rosehips and hibiscus. But, the similarities end there, as Republic of Tea’s Organic Flowering Fruit Tea blends theirs with orange peel, lemon grass and orange oil, resulting in a crisp citrus brew. Available loose in 3.5oz tins for $11, 36 count teabags for $11 as well as additional bulk options. Image above right property of Republic of Tea

For those interested in a fruit tea blend that contains both fruit and citrus, SerendipiTea offers a Berry Blueberry blend. Containing Rose Hips, Orange Peel, Blueberry, Hibiscus, Fruit Blend and Berry Leaves, this blend is fruit heavy with orange citrus notes. Blueberry is a flavored loved by many, but not often found in tea. Like the Harney & Sons and Republic of Tea options, SerendipTea’s blend is naturally caffeine-free and full of vitamins. It is available loose in 1oz tin for $5 or 4oz for $12.50.