Collection: HERBAL TEA

As a matter of course, almost all herbal teas are caffeine-free, as they contain no tea leaves. Tea Forté’s herbal tea infusions are carefully crafted with hand-harvested herbs, aromatic flowers, healthful fruits, premium spices, roots, seeds, and rare botanicals from around the world, offering a wide array of aromas, flavors, and textures. Made in small batches for quality and freshness, each intricately blended lot is cupped for critical evaluation before packing. This ensures that the quality, complexity, taste, and exceptional character of the herbal tea infusion will contribute to good health, well-being, and overall balance. Read More

What makes herbal tea special?

The primary difference between herbal tea and other types of tea is its source ingredient. Black, green, and white teas are made from the leaves and buds of a species of plant known as Camellia Sinensis. Tea leaves are naturally caffeinated and can be made into many varieties of tea depending on the way it’s harvested and treated afterward. Herbal tea, on the other hand, comes from many other plant sources and is considered herbal no matter how it’s processed after harvest. Some herbal teas may contain a trace amount of caffeine if one or more of it's ingredients naturally contains caffeine, such as cocoa husk or yerba mate.

Herbal tea's health benefits

Chief among herbal tea’s health benefits is its absence of calories and caffeine. This means it has the ability to provide pleasant flavor, light hydration, and an overall sense of calm with each cup, making it a perfect afternoon or evening indulgence. Echinacea tea is thought to stave off a cold, dandelion root tea is beneficial to the throat, peppermint and ginger teas are said to aid in digestion, and chamomile tea is often associated with its ability to ease the mind and soothe the soul. Many other forms of herbal tea are known for their specific effects on good health as well.

Herbal tea's origins

Historically, herbal tea is thought to have originated as an early form of medicine, dating back to ancient Egypt and China. Over the centuries, its reach has expanded throughout the world, and today, herbal tea is as sought after for its flavors and ability to evoke calmness as it is for its health benefits.

How to prepare herbal tea

Temperature is key in the preparation of herbal tea: water should be heated to 208 degrees Fahrenheit and left to steep for five minutes or longer. Unlike black, green and white teas, it’s fine to let herbal (and oolong) tea steep for as long as you’d like without increasing its level of bitterness. Some may enjoy adding sugar or honey to herbal tea for sweetness, but other accompaniments like milk and lemon are best reserved for black tea. Once fully brewed, herbal tea may be served hot or cold.