Do you often enjoy drinking a warm brew of flavoured tea like our popular Italian Almond and Rose with French Vanilla tea? Did you know flavoured tea is actually made using the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis as the base with an added flavour - quite unlike our Infusions range, which is a great decaf option! 

Are you wondering whether Flavoured Tea is good for you? Keep reading! 

What is Flavoured Tea?

As we mentioned earlier, flavoured tea is made using the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis as the base with a flavour added to it that enhances the experience of drinking tea. These flavours are often extracted from fruits, spices, flowers, nuts, etc. Dilmah’s Flavoured Tea range combines all natural ingredients and flavours with pure Ceylon tea to give you a cup of deliciously flavoured black or green tea. 

The Benefits of Flavoured Tea

The leaves of the Camellia Sinensis have been identified as a plant that has a high content of plant flavonoids. According to research, these tea flavonoids neutralise free radicals in the body. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules in the body that can lead to serious health risks, like heart disease, cancer, etc. Since tea is rich in antioxidants (present in plant flavonoids), there are incredible health benefits to drinking flavoured teas, including but not limited to -

• May boost heart health
• Aids in improving digestion
• May lower blood pressure
• It Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
• Improves Oral Health

How is Tea Flavoured?

All tea, except for herbal infusions, comes from 1 source - the Camellia Sinensis tea plant. It’s during the manufacturing process, at the oxidation/fermentation stage that sets teas apart from one another. For instance, black tea is oxidised for longer; giving it the iconic deep golden hue and richer taste that we’ve all grown to love. Green tea goes through the least amount of oxidation, hence it’s lighter green colour and earthier flavour. On the last stage of the manufacturing process, the leaves are then flavoured with specific additions to create flavoured teas.  

Here are different ways in which tea is flavoured - 

• Tea is commonly flavoured using extracts. Essential oils of the herb, spice or fruit is sprayed on to the leaves to produce a subtle flavour and aroma. 
• Inclusions provide a subtle flavouring to the tea. Flower buds, petals, herbs, spices or dried fruit is often added to the tea leaves itself. 
• Natural-identical is when chemicals are used to extract the natural flavour of ingredients. This is often used because the flavours that get extracted are more stable than purely natural extracts. 
• Artificial flavours refer to artificial flavouring agents that are used to create the blends. 

How to Make Flavoured Tea

Flavoured tea can be enjoyed in countless ways, as regular hot tea or a flavoured iced tea. 

Follow these steps to make flavoured tea: 

• Boil fresh spring water to a temperature of  95˚C – 100˚C
• Use 1 Teaspoon (2.5g)/ 1 Teabag per person
• Add 220ml of water per person, into a cup
• Allow to steep for 3 – 5 minutes (5 minutes for a strong cup)

How To Store Flavoured Tea? 

Tea is a hygroscopic substance that easily absorbs water and the fragrance of other aromas like coffee, spices etc. Ensure to keep your flavoured tea in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and away from other herbs, spices or coffee as the flavour of the tea can easily be affected.