olive leaf infusion 70g

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.