Stash Orange Starfruit

The exotic and familiar come together in this unique blend. Tart starfruit, native to Bali and Southeast Asia, combines with soothing Egyptian chamomile and juicy California Valencia orange peel to create a distinctive brew, golden in the cup, with a smooth taste and tangy finish.

The sweet orange is the most popular of all citrus fruits. It originated in China where it received its botanical name "Citrus sinensis". During the first century the orange was spread to Japan, India and the Near East. The Romans were also interested in this fruit, and the Arabs introduced the orange to Spain. Orange cultivation ended in Europe with the fall of the Roman empire and reappeared later in Italy in the 15th century.

There are four main varieties of oranges. The bitter orange or the Seville, is grown mainly in Spain and is predominately used for marmalades. Another variety, the blood orange, is less acidic than other oranges and cultivated primarily in Mediterranean countries. Navel and Valencia oranges are grown predominately in the U.S. and Brazil. Navel oranges are an early variety with good flavor, while Valencias are a later crop and are the sweetest and most flavorful orange.

Stash sources its orange oil from the best California Valencia oranges. This superior quality orange oil costs more than $50 per pound, compared with less costly orange oil at $1 per pound or less. Stash orange peels are produced right from their juice production line to retain the original citrus oil of the fresh fruit, resulting in a richer, stronger flavor.

The Star Fruit (real name Carambola) is native to Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The fruit may grow up to five inches long and has five prominent ridges running down its sides, so that a cross section is star-shaped. The fruit has a waxy, orange-yellow skin, with crisp, yellow juicy flesh when ripe. There are several varieties of Carambola which exhibit different degrees of sourness and sweetness. The Carambola is eaten fresh and in salads. It is also used for cooking in both sweet and savory dishes and many times used as a decoration because of its unusual shape.

Chamomile is known as both a pretty flower and an ancient healer. The word "chamomile" is derived from the Greek "chamos" (ground) and "melos" (apple), referring to chamomile's low growth habit and apple scented blossoms. The daisy-like flowers of the Chamomile plant reminded the ancient Egyptians of the sun, calling it "Herb of the Sun". The Germans have used chamomile for centuries for its medicinal properties. In fact, chamomile is so popular in Germany it is called "alles zutraut" (capable of anything).

Extensive research over the past 20 years has confirmed many of the traditional uses for the plant including: as an anti-spasmodic to aid digestive disorders, prevent ulcers and calm stomach cramps; as a tranquilizer to calm the central nervous system and relax the body; as an anti-bacterial to heal skin irritations and diseases; and as an anti-inflammatory to relieve aches and pains, particularly arthritis pains.

Today chamomile is one of the world's best selling herbs. Chamomile is a very popular herbal tea and it is also used in perfumes, soaps, bath oils, skin care products, and in shampoos to add luster to blonde hair.

Stash buys chamomile from Egypt where the climate and farming expertise make this chamomile the best in the world. Egyptian Chamomile has the largest, brightest flowers with the most fragrance and flavor. Stash Chamomile brews a beautiful golden cup with a delicate, classic apple-like flavor and fragrance. It is a soothing drink that is good anytime of the day, but especially relaxing in the evening.

Tip: When brewing this chamomile blend, be sure to add a little extra to your infuser as it is very fluffy and light. However, remember to never fill an infuser more than half full, as the chamomile needs room to infuse properly.

Caffeine

Herbal