Is fruit tea good for you?

Every sip of this rich, fruity infusion feels good for you. Made entirely without caffeine and with natural ingredients, Black Forest tea can be drunk by all the family. It's a great option for those wanting to up their healthy fluid intake or who are looking for a soothing bedtime brew. (One word of caution: hibiscus is a member of the mallow family, which some people are allergic to, and it contains phytoestrogens, which may cause hormonal fluctuations and so should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. )

The main health benefits of our Black Forest tea come from its high antioxidant content. Of these, ascorbic acid, aka vitamin C, is key in this fruit infusion, provided by the hibiscus, elderberry, blackcurrants and raspberries. So you can enjoy Black Forest tea as a great immune-boosting addition to your diet throughout the cold and flu season.

Drinking hibiscus tea is also associated with helping lower blood pressure and levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, being useful in weight management and for helping offset liver disease, including cancer, though more research is needed here. Elderberries, meanwhile, contain particularly high levels of anthocyanins, linked to healthy brain function and potentially helping ward off Alzheimer's. These tiny purple-black berries have also been shown to help improve athletic performance due to their high amounts of the antioxidant-rich plant compounds called polyphenols.

The many uses of hibiscus

Hibiscus is native to tropical and warm temperate climates, and its flower, root and calyx have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. The Egyptians knew it as a treatment for heart conditions, in Iran it has been used for centuries as a way of relieving hypertension, and in Chinese medicine its uses include everything from a diuretic to an inflammatory.

The flavour profile of hibiscus is commonly described as being somewhere between cranberry and pomegranate, making it a welcome ingredient in the kitchen. In African culinary culture, hibiscus has been particularly popular as the main ingredient of celebratory drinks at communal gatherings, and also as a dried seasoning – in rice dishes, for example – and as a meat marinade.

Alternatives to Black Forest fruit tea

If you enjoyed this hibiscus-based tea, why not try a caddy of our vibrant and beautifully balanced Hibiscus fruit tea infusion – especially sweet and delicious in the warmer months. Alternatively, you might like to explore more tropical flavour profiles with our wonderfully fragrant Caribbean Punch, packed with pineapple, apple and papaya, or our Mango Mocktail, best described as summer in a cup. For another caffeine-free infusion, this time inspired by Mediterranean tea culture, try our lively and refreshing Turkish Apple fruit tea blend.

Whether you're serving your fruit tea hot or cold, our range of Glassware has plenty of options, from the ultra elegant to the smart and practical. For more fruit tea infusions, browse our Tea Shop.