Tony has been brewing some herbal teas from wild harvested plants of Jamaica, known as Bush Teas, for our staff lately. Traditionally it is believed that regular consumption will help fortify the immune system, particularly important during the long and cold winter season. Today I want to describe to you one blend that has become a favorite of ours at the bakery. It boasts of a slightly lemony aroma, and leaves a mild sweet and spicy taste in your mouth. While I won't get into the specific effects of the wild plants in our tea mix, I would like to share with you the list of plant names to perhaps further inspire your own research. This blend, dubbed the Vitali-tea, contains: cinnamon leaf, cinnamon branch, fever grass (aka lemongrass), and soursop leaf. If you are reading this blog and you are curious about our Vitali-tea, send an email to owner[@]islandorganix.com with your name and mailing address, and we will send you a complimentary sachel of our wild harvested bush tea good for atleast 2-3 servings. Here's to your health!

This time of the year boasts a number of fantastic specialities from the Caribbean, including one of our favorite drinks- Sorrel.  Made from dried hibiscus petals, boiled ginger, cane sugar and usually, white rum....this drink is tangy, spicy and sweet. I believe it could be one of the most satisfying drinks ever invented! According to James A. Duke, American Botanist and Author, the dried petals are high in several vitamins and minerals, as well as many phytosterols and antioxidant flavonoids. What's even better, sorrel is mostly made in small batches by individuals, so every time it tastes a bit different. We enjoyed Chilled Christmas Sorrel as both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions this holiday season. It's easy to make, why not give it a try if you haven't already?