The origins of Fruit and Herb tea lie in Chinese Herbalism whose origins are shrouded in myth. Legendary figures such as Shen Nong, the 'divine cultivator' who is said to have identified many medicinal plants is one of the first to be recorded as using herbal drinks. Closer to home, the Greeks were the first to document the knowledge of herbs for medicinal use gathered from the Babylonians some 5,000 years ago. Their writings form the basis of modern herbs and the study of homeopathic medicine. Subsequently it was the Romans who introduced cultivated herbs into Great Britain and who, it is supposed, were the first to experiment with herb infusions in this country.

During the Middle Ages monks took on the role of doctors in their community and prepared the earliest herbal remedies, as few at that time had access to herb gardens. Most common were the 'simples', remedies using just one herb and prescribed in the form of teas. At the time herbal recipes were also passed by word of mouth to generations of country people who were unable to read or write.

With the opening of Nicholas Culpeper's apothecary in Spitalfields in the mid 1600's and the publishing of his famous 'Herbal' volume (still well-read today) - herb teas, compounded with the high taxes on traditional tea in the 1700's became more accessible to ordinary folk.

Today, with the emphasis on healthier lifestyles, Fruit and Herb teas have become an integral part of consumers' drinking repertoire.

Fruit and Herb teas are not made of tea leaves but are an infusion of fruit and herbs. Fruit teas are a blend of ingredients with one or two predominant fruit flavours. Blends may also include herbs which may offer specific health benefits. Fruit teas are noted for their delicious, refreshing taste and make an attractive, naturally caffeine free, alternative to coffee and tea.

Herb teas are the leaves, seeds and flowers of one particular herb, harvested and dried into a tea with a fresh, clean taste. Herb teas are traditionally believed to have properties which can help treat specific medical conditions, particularly those which are stress or digestive-system related.

The Camomile Harvest- Carshalton 1913

Fruit and Herb teas are made in the same way as traditional black teas. The fruit, flowers or leaves of the plants are harvested and dried. Fruit is grated or shredded into fine pieces, while leaves and flowers are rubbed to break them into smaller leaf flakes. Blended Fruit teas are made from a recipe which combines not only fruits but flowers and leaves, carefully proportioned to ensure a balanced blend. Pure Herb teas use just one plant and the tea may consist simply of the leaves or it may also contain the seeds or flowers of the same plant.

A typical Fruit tea may contain up to eight or nine ingredients, all with their own role to play. Hibiscus and Rosehips are two ingredients widely used in Fruit teas of all flavours.

The Hibiscus flower (taken from the red sorrel flower) is sourced in Sudan and Thailand. These flowers create the deep red colour of the teas, along with good acidity levels, which enhance the intensity of fruit flavours and pectin-like substances to bring a good body to the tea.

Rosehips come from many rose species - in particular the dog rose - most being sourced from Chile. Like Hibiscus, Rosehips also contribute to the overall colour of the tea and blend well with Hibiscus to give a range of colours and acidity levels to complement a variety of fruit.

Fruit and Herb teas are caffeine free, usually contain 3 calories a cup, generally have no added sugars, and make a refreshing alternative to other hot beverages.

Flavours and their benefits


Camomile renowned for its gentle soothing and calming properties

Elderflower has a light, flowery flavor traditionally used in the production of cordials and believed to help cleanse the body.

Fennel considered to be helpful in curbing appetite and is believed to be of benefit to the digestive system.

Lemon Verbena believed to help maintain healthy digestion.

Nettle gentle cleanser, thought to help maintain the body's natural fluid balance.

Mixed Fruit creates a tea with refreshing astringent qualities.

Peppermint renowned for its distinctive flavour and stimulating effect on the digestive system.

Rosehip has an invigorating, full, fruity flavour and contains vitamin C.

Apple believed to cleanse and balance the system.

Blackcurrant a traditional cordial for soothing the throat.

Lemon thought to have antiseptic qualities beneficial to infections. Also a traditional remedy to help soothe sore throats.

Orange believed to help settle queasy stomachs and sweeten the breath.

Raspberry refreshing and a gentle laxative.