Another summer favorite that is great as a hot tea or over ice. The cranberry is known for being an intrinsic part of holiday feasts, but did you know that the cranberry was first dubbed the ‘crane’ berry. This came about as cranes tramping through the cranberry bogs feasted on the berries. The cranberry was also known as a bounce berry, brought about by the fact that the berries ‘jumped’ when dropped. Likely first used as a food by Native American Indians. A tart fruit initially, but over time, this piquant taste was adapted to suit the palates of the consumer. The flavor of the cranberry is crisp and holds a high place in today’s health values.

Generally grown throughout the world, strawberries are known for being a delicious fruit. One has to consider Florida as the winter capital, whereas many would argue that Belgium is the main capital of the strawberry. In the 13th century, France used the strawberry for medicinal purposes being high in folic acid and vitamin C. The strawberry was first cultivated in ancient Rome and said to be one of Nero’s favorite fruits.

Raspberries grow on a cane – were you aware of this fact? The raspberry offers more than just good taste providing many familiar and unfamiliar nutritional qualities. Are you aware that the berries contain other protective influences including compounds that relate to potential protective effects on health and disease? These powerful phyto chemicals found in fruits, such as the raspberry bring them into the spotlight of nutraceuticals. Recently there has been new research looking at raspberries as an antioxidant. Couple this with the known natural goodness of the antioxidants in tea and you have a healthy winner!

Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of lemonade to really bring out this teas fruit flavor.

Ingredients: Black tea, cranberry pieces, and safflowers with cranberry, strawberry, and raspberry flavor