June 2, 2015
Moringa (moringa oleifera) is a highly nutritious plant where all parts have beneficial properties (the leaves, the seeds, flowers, young tender pods, immature seeds and the roots). This plant is rapidly becoming a staple in countries that have poor soil and growing climates. It is rich in vitamins and minerals and high in protein. Moringa brews to an amber cup with dark green leaves and an interesting steamed spinach-like taste. Moringa is also delicious and nutritious when ground and added to different recipes. Here are 2 below. Moringa Dill Hummus 2 ½ cups chickpeas, rinsed and drained ¼ cup tahini 2 Tbsp olive oil 1/3 cup lemon juice 2 cloves garlic ½ tsp salt 2 tsp Moringa leaves, ground 1 tsp dry dill leaf Place all ingredients except […]
December 4, 2014
Yoga and Chakra Herbal “Teas” for a healthier lifestyle Can you achieve balance in your life with a cup of tea? Probably not. But you can start, with that first sip, on a journey of wellness, adventure, relaxation, joy. Sitting with a cup of tea and the intention to start your life right from this moment can be quite powerful. From a simple intention can spring forth an entirely new perspective, a new reality. Why not give it a try? In 2007 we introduced a line of herbal tisanes, our “Yoga” line, that we designed to help people as they started on their new paths. The philosophies, principles and life styles of yoga have existed for 5,000 years in one form or another and are now easily […]
April 11, 2014
I finally flipped over the calendar to April and realized that Spring is upon us and Easter will be here soon. So I let my fingers do the walking through some search engines to find information on tea dyed eggs. We love hard-boiled eggs in my house, so why not tea color them for extra fun! The first site I came across had some great information about different foods you can use to dye eggs. It’s called Natural Easter Egg Dyes. Perfect! There was definitely enough information to start me on the path! I subsequently found the All Natural Easter Egg Dyes page from Better Homes & Gardens. Also great information! So I hardboiled a dozen eggs. We found that the best way to do this is: Place […]
May 6, 2013
RASPBERRY OAT BARS WITH BURGUNDY BLAST HERBAL TISANE Burgundy Blast Herbal Tisane – This refreshing blend brews to a bright cherry red color with a sweet, tart taste. Comprised of hibiscus flowers, mango, papaya, lemongrass, safflower, mallow blossoms and acai and pomegranate flavors, this tea is fabulous both hot and iced. Certified Kosher, Caffeine Free! For information visit our website at: http://www.svtea.com/Burgundy-Blast-Herbal-Tisane/productinfo/T0814/ 2 tsp Burgundy Blast Herbal Tisane , ground 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1 cup flour 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/8 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder 1 cup oats 3/4 cup raspberry preserves Preheat the oven to 350. Grease an 8×8 glass baking dish. In a medium sized bowl mix all of the ingredients together (except the jam). Press 2/3 of the mixture into the […]
April 9, 2013
It seems that most towns across the country celebrate the advent of Spring with a Spring Tea party, a time for everyone to shake off the hibernation of winter and come together as a community. We all have our Spring-time rituals. Usually when I hear the Spring birds singing, I start seeds indoors and plan this year’s garden. One of the plants that is essential in any garden I create is lavender. I love the aroma of lavender and the variety of ways lavender is used: from cosmetics and culinary recipes to medicinal purposes. And while it doesn’t bloom here in CT until later in the Spring season, I still associate the taste and smell of lavender as a harbinger of the season of new growth, color, light, […]
March 24, 2012
Rooibos “tea” is an herb that is also known as Red Bush tea. The botanical name is Aspalathus linearis and this herbal tea contains no caffeine and is reputed to have many health benefits. You can see some information on the Simpson and Vail Rooibos tea page on our website. At Simpson and Vail, we make blends with Rooibos, which you can also view on our website. Rooibos is a perfect herb to blend with – it has a slight woody, earthy taste that combines well with many other herbs and with tea, and it provides an excellent base for flavored blends. To some people Rooibos is a new tea, but Rooibos has been enjoyed by many people for over a hundred years. My parents were actually selling Rooibos […]