Peppermint Tea Bags

When one thinks of Herbal infusions, thoughts often drift to Peppermint Tea. Enjoy everyone's favourite brew in convenient Tea Bag form, packed fresh to order here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company.

Peppermint Tea Bags offer a crisp, refreshing flavour and a simply irresistible aroma. It can also improve one's everyday way of life in small yet significant ways. This is thanks to Peppermint Tea Benefits. When consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, Peppermint Tea Bags can improve digestion, reduce nausea, eliminate halitosis and even help you to lose weight.

What is Peppermint Tea?

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an aromatic, rhizomatous, perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It's a natural hybrid of watermint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). We also stock a Spearmint Loose Tea, for those who're interested.

Peppermint can grow to heights between 30 and 90 centimetres (12 and 35 inches). It thrives in varying climates around the world but was originally native to Europe and the Middle East. Most famously, Peppermint contains three potent essential oils. These are menthol, menthone and menthyl acetate. The distinct minty aroma and flavour of this Tea derives from these oils.

Harvesting typically occurs shortly before the plant blooms its flowers. This is usually in the summer, most often June through until August. Picking in the morning produces the best results because this is when the plant has its highest oil content.

History of Peppermint Tea

Peppermint Tea is far from a new invention. In fact, archaeologists have discovered dried peppermint leaves in the Giza Pyramids, Egypt, dating back to 1,000 BCE! Indeed, the peppermint we use for this Tea also originates from Egypt!

Peppermint also has a close association with Greek mythology. According to legend, Hades, God of the underworld, seduced a nymph called Minthe while travelling on his golden chariot near the Cocytus river. When his wife, Persephone, heard of the encounter, she became enraged. In her jealousy, she turned Minthe into a plant that people would constantly walk on.

Saddened by his wife's interference, Hades imbued the plant with peppermint. This was so that whenever people crushed the plant underfoot, it released a wonderful aroma. Hades hoped that by doing this, people would remember Minthe and recall how beautiful and full of life she had been.

This herb also had a part to play in the American Revolution (1775-1783)! Following the infamous 1773 Boston Tea Party and throughout the revolution itself, soon-to-be American citizens chose herbal infusions such as Peppermint Tea to avoid paying British taxes on Green and Black Tea.

Nowadays, Peppermint Tea has little to do with revolution. Instead, we love it because, put simply, it tastes great!

Useful Information

Type of Tea: Peppermint Herbal Tea.

Origin: The Nile Delta, Egypt.

Ingredients: Dried Peppermint Leaves.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.

How to Serve: This beverage tastes best without any additions. However, some may consider adding lemon. The choice is yours.

Tasting Notes: This minty fresh infusion has smooth, sweet notes and a refreshing aftertaste.

Colour in Cup: Green liquor with coppery highlights, light in tone.

Peppermint Tea Benefits

A lot of people drink Peppermint Tea because of its carminative properties. Furthermore, it also has antispasmodic properties capable of reducing spasms of the colon and intestinal tract while also relaxing stomach muscles. Its cooling properties can likewise soothe the stomach. This makes it an especially popular choice after large meals.

Additionally, Peppermint Tea contains antibacterial properties, which can actively combat symptoms related to common colds and the flu. If this wasn't enough, it has an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This includes Vitamins A, B, C and E, Alpha-carotene, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Copper, Inositol, Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Silicon, Sulphur and Zinc.