Here is a recent blend Elina sent me from her trip to London in September. I am making a new category for infusions to include it in, because they are different from drinking and steeping tea leaves and we have tried a few infusions to comment on.
The ingredients here are dried apple pieces, hibiscus, rosehip, sweet orange peels, natural flavouring of blood orange and red thistle. It has the taste of a warm cider drink that is fruity and reminds me of the smells of the autumn season from candied apples, pumpkin pie, rustling leaves and Thanksgiving dinner.
Infusions may be good to try in baking for breads, cookies and even with meat dishes. With infusions, you can brew for a short time, or a long time, and in this case because there is hibiscus, it may be too much or too little depending on your taste. Rather than steeping tea leaves, you are essentially warming pieces of fruits and herbs with boiling hot water that gradually and gently release their flavours from the moist heat. It takes a lot of playing with to get it right for your preference. You can add sugar, honey, milk or ice cream too, depending on the kinds of fruits in the mix to complement. It’s definitely something special to try, whether from Harrod’s or another source.
The directions on the package advised to add one heaping spoon per person, plus one for the pot, and can be steeped for 4-6 minutes, or even longer if you are baking with it. If you like a stronger hibiscus taste, brew longer, which is also great for a chilled tea. If you like more of an apple taste, steep the heaps for less time and drink hot or at a warm room temperature.
Harrods is a special place to visit in London because of its famed seasonal Christmas shop and its luxury Food Hall, which initially began as a grocer in the 1800s with a known specialty for its offerings of tea. Their motto is inspiring: Omnia Omnibus Ubique — All Things for All People, Everywhere.
Enjoy!!! : ) Happy November!!! : )