Ethiopia is not just known for coffee but wonderful herbal teas as well. Many teas are grown organically on small, sustainable farms that prioritize worker livelihoods and many are grown around the region of Butajira in the southern highlands. On average, tea farms each have a land holding of less than one hectare. There, they plant, tend and harvest their crops by hand at around 7,000 feet in volcanic, nutrient-rich soil along the Rift Valley.
Lavender Abyssinica using whole Ethiopian lavender buds – long known for its ability to induce calm, soothing Lavender Abyssinica is the perfect herbal tea for bedtime. Made from the dried buds of Ethiopian lavender flowers, it has a bright and flowery aroma that is beloved around the world. The buds lift the taste of biscuits or cookies and can be mixed with mint as a meat rub when not used for tea. It is naturally caffeine-free.
Ethiopian Mint
With a cool and refreshing taste, this is the most popular herbal tea in Ethiopia. Smaller-leaved than its European cousin, Ethiopian Mint has more flavor concentrated in its leaves. It is native to the Rift Valley where it is grown in volcanic soil at an altitude of around 7,000 feet. Naturally caffeine-free, it can be consumed as mint tea alone or added to other drinks to provide a minty kick.
Moringa
Distinct from its South Asian cousin (Moringa oleifera), African Moringa (Moringa stenopetala) is native only to Ethiopia and northern Kenya where it has long been known as a nutrient-rich “superfood” staple that provides many health benefits. It is grown in volcanic soil at an altitude of around 7,000 feet. As a tea, African Moringa tea has notes of black pepper, corn and green olives. It is naturally caffeine-free.
Abyssinian Sage
With a sweet and savory pine-like flavor, Abyssinian Sage has both culinary and health-promoting qualities. It has a distinctive appearance with long, soft-spear leaves, a fuzzy texture and muted coloring. Its unique flavor is derived from the rich volcanic soil of southern Ethiopia where it is grown at an altitude of around 7,000 feet. It is naturally caffeine-free.