Ivan Chai Tea - Rosebay Willowherb Tea

Ivan Chai Tea - Rosebay Willowherb Tea

Ivan Chai Tea - Rosebay Willowherb Tea - (Botanical Name: Chamaenerion angustifolium) 

Other Names: Ivan Chai, Koporsky Tea, Fireweed Tea

A refreshing herbal infusion that originates from the flat lands of Eastern Europe & the Russian Steppes. 

Our supply is harvested and hand-made in small batches by local small-holders Jim & Sally who own a tranquil Welsh woodland in the village of Cynwel Elfed close to our tea shop in Carmarthen. 

Ivan Chai / Koporsky Tea made from Rosebay Willowherb has been gathered, dried, and drunk in Eastern Europe for centuries. The leaves and flowers of this foraged herbal tea are collected as the first flower buds start to open on the plant in mid-summer. The leaves are then hand-rolled or twisted, dried, and lightly cured. The caffeine free infusion can be brewed in a similar way to Green tea using water heated to 70-80 degrees and a 2-3 minute infusion for a gentle flavour, or infused for 5 -10 minutes for a deeper & stronger flavour. 

The taste of Rosebay Willowherb tea is somewhere between green tea and black tea depending on the length of infusion, but slightly peppery and without bitterness. The dried flower buds add a delicate honey note. 

The plant is high in iron, copper, potassium, and calcium and is caffeine free. 

Origin: Carmarthenshire, Wales

Size: 45g