Rosebay Willowherb Ivan Tea

Rosebay Willowherb Ivans Tea is a Russian favourite, yet its popularity is now spreading throughout the world. Also known as ‘Koporye Tea’ (English translation of the Russian phrase, ‘Копорский Чай’), this beverage is made from the Chamerion angustifolium plant. Its distinctive flavours are noted as bold and deliciously herbaceous, while its health-promoting properties are equally fantastic. Providing a healthy and active lifestyle is in place, Rosebay Willowherb Tea can be a handy tool against mouth infections, ulcers, and respiratory problems, as well as aiding with urinary tract infections and other kidney-related issues.

What is Rosebay Willowherb Ivan Tea

Rosebay Willowherb is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Evening Primrose family (Onagraceae). Its unique, reddish stem can grow to heights of up to 2,5 metres (8 feet), while it’s typically purple flowers average at around 2 to 3 centimetres in diameter. These bloom between the months of June and September. Generally, Rosebay Willowherb prefers areas of recently disturbed ground, but it can also flourish in semi-shaded forest areas, sun-coated meadows, waste areas, and even in your gardens. It can also be found by road sides and railroad embankments.

Chamerion angustifolium is also as beautiful as it is versatile! It is now common throughout much of Britain, including in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and England. It is particularly commonplace in woodland clearings near our Pluckley-based factory. Rosebay Willowherb is also known as ‘Fireweed’ (particularly in North America), owing to its fascinating ability to grow in great abundance in areas of recently scorched earth. During the 1940’s, this plant became a common sight in wartime London, often thriving among ruined houses and buildings destroyed in the Blitz. It famously brought colour to an otherwise grim landscape, and eventually became known in England as ‘Bombweed’. It was also one of the first plants to appear after the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State, USA, where it can still be seen today.

Interestingly, Rosebay Willowherb can actually undergo fermentation, similar to the tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. First, the herb must be left to dry and wither for around 24 hours, before it is then rolled to kickstart oxidation. Following this, it is left to further dry, eventually imparting its distinct grassy notes. This is often conducted using clay pots cooked in stoves.

Rosebay Willowherb has been used and enjoyed in herbal teas for hundreds of years, dating back to, at least, 12th Century Russia. However, when the East India Company began introducing Chinese and Indian Teas toward the end of the 19th Century, interest in the beverage gradually waned in the country. This peaked during the October Revolution of 1917 when production of Ivan’s tea was halted altogether. Yet this was relatively short-lived as today, Koporye Tea has once again risen to fame – and rightfully so.

Useful Information

Type of Tea: Herbal Tea.

Ingredients: Dried Rosebay Willowherb.

Origin: Czech Republic.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.

How to Serve: Lemon may be considered as an optional extra, although The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company recommend it best served as it is.

Tasting Notes: Ivan’s Tea consists of a fresh, floral, and herbaceous flavour and aroma. A sweet, slightly minty aftertaste soon follows with every sip.  

Colour in Cup: Greenish-yellow liquor, light in tone.

Health Benefits

Known, contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants. These include Vitamin C, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, and sodium. This beverage is a perfect choice for boosting the immune system due to many of these constituents. It can also offer anti-inflammatory properties, as well as potentially lowering blood pressure. While further studies are certainly required with the latter health benefit, in particular, preliminary trials conducted by a number of credible scientific institutes are very promising indeed.