Tea is famous for its therapeutic properties but a new local range takes it one step further. Forage + Bloom is a luxurious range of hand-blended, loose-leaf, organic botanical teas, conceived with wellbeing in mind.
“The idea behind the brand is to activate and sustain vitality,” says founder Hannah McMenamin, a barista turned naturopath, who manages natural health and beauty store Tonic Room in Kingsland. Several cafes serve her teas and stock the range and from mid-July, Kokako in Grey Lynn will serve them in their new copper Bodum plungers.
Each of the blends is “uplifting and energising”, says Hannah, and can be drunk hot or cold.
The earthy-flavoured Salvation, for instance, combines the digestive qualities of peppermint with blood tonic kawakawa, nutrient-dense nettle and liver-cleansing dandelion root, which she roasts herself. Meanwhile, Repose mixes chamomile, lemon balm, rooibos and rose petals.
“Chamomile is amazing for your intestinal tract and nervous system,” she explains.
“Lemon balm is calming but sprightly, a great anti-viral. Rooibos is a super antioxidant, with sweet but smoky undertones.
It’s rounded out by the floral aspects, which add a lot of flavour.”
A trip to a 16th century dispensary in Rome inspired her initial foray into tea, but it wasn’t until late last year that Forage + Bloom officially launched, after Hannah created a bespoke blend for the CBD’s Scarecrow cafe. Word of mouth has propelled its popularity since.
"There's a ritual behind making tea," says Hannah, who plans to create bespoke teas for events. "You're making time for yourself, relaxing and pampering. You're bringing a bit of luxury into your every day."
• See forageandbloom.co.nz for more information.
