handpicked
In Spring, to maintain healthy trees, experienced olive farmers prune their trees. Although most leaves are composted, the team remove the twigs, and select the best olive leaves for drying. The olive leaf infusion is therefore a by-product of the olive oil making process.
tea or infusion?
You might find “olive leaf infusion” being referred to as “olive leaf tea”online. In the UK, unlike the USA, the word “tea” should be used only for the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant, which is where tea comes from.
goodness
Apart from being naturally caffeine-free, the leaves contain an active compound called oleuropein. Health professionals have recently become interested in this antioxidant for its health benefits. It is said to lower blood pressure and has immune boosting potential. However, we chose it because it tasted delicious!
bitter leaves?
Just the opposite. The taste is smooth and mellow. The infusion only becomes bitter if the leaves are left in the water too long. So remember to strain the leaves after 6-7 minutes, and re-infuse them for your second cup. The leaves are cracked, rather than ground to a powder, to release their flavour.
recycle
The leaves are loose, not in tea bags, so you can add them to your compost or food waste. The labels peel off the smart tin really easily, and so become a stylish pencil pot, a useful container for rubber bands or seed packets. What will you use yours for?
For more about olive leaf infusion.
Lizzie Fairrie –
Delicious, wonderfully soothing and curiously addictive – a much more grown up taste than the usual herbal teas on offer
miranda –
So pleased that you like the mellow taste of this infusion!
Nicola G –
This infusion is delicious simplicity and brings a slice of Lebanese sunshine into my day every time I open the tin. I need never again buy an overengineered herbal tea in a bag again. Thank you shorkk. (I just use a big pinch in every cup – perfect).
miranda –
Delighted to hear that the infusion is a little bit of Lebanese sun in your day! Thank you for your kind words.