From the Ground Bazaar of Istanbul a mild spice chai full of fruit notes
Ingredients: Apple, Hibiscus, Rosehip, Cinnamon, Orange pieces, Lemongrass root, Star Anise, Cloves, Ginger, Cardamom, Black + White pepper, Nutmeg.
Tea(s) From: Turkey / Egypt / Chile / Thailand / India
Region(s): Anatolya / Nile Delta + Fayoum / Patagonia / Petchabun / Kerala
Antioxidant Level: Low
Caffeine Content: None - Caffeine Free
Along the ancient Silk Road, Caravanserai, a type of hotel, provided lodging, food and drink for spice caravans plying their trade from East to West. Like an oasis, a Caravanserai on the horizon would have been a welcome site for traders, out on the road for months and sometimes years at a time.
One interesting feature of these establishments was the retail, or market component, typically sheltered under soaring arched roofs. In addition to offering various sundry items caravans might need for their journey, shopkeeps also purchased stores from the passing caravans to sell to future guests. As such, these shops were filled to the brim with a cacophony of spices, dried herbs and fruits from all corners of the earth. While the Caravanserai are now gone, we can well imagine the aromas and colors of these ancient centers of commerce.
To celebrate one such place in the ancient Turkish city of Izmir, we've blended this rich, mild blend of dried fruit, flower petals, chai spices, cinnamon and cloves. Here's to the Caravanserai of old.
Brewing Method
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea 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 stronger the tea).
