Beetroot in a cup

Amaranth originated from the American tropics and has been valued for many thousands of years by the indigenous cultures of Central America and Mexico. Ancient cultures depended on amaranth as a major staple of their diet, due to its high concentration of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Amaranth seeds were also used in ancient rituals and celebrations, specifically for a unique Aztec festival called Huizilopochtli, which means “left-handed hummingbird,” named so because hummingbirds draw nectar from amaranth flowers. The festival was held in December, and people used amaranth seeds (as well as honey) to create a statue of one of their gods. The festival also consisted of singing, dancing, praying, and sacrifices. After the Spanish conquest, the Huizilopochtli was banned.

Amaranth is usually green in colour, but a purple variant, was once grown for use in Inca rituals. Fast forward 500 years and welcome to our red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus). Due to its vibrant red flowers, red amaranth is used as a dye, originally by the Hopi tribe. A member of the Amaranthaceae family, which includes beetroot, the red pigment common to this plant family is due to the antioxidant, betacyanin, present. Betacyanin is, like anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant, which is beneficial in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Our red amaranth flowers are naturally grown and handpicked in Kent, UK, by the Deme family at their famous fruit farm, Chegworth Valley. At the time of launching there is no other tea or infusion brand which stocks red amaranth to drink, and so we are honoured to be able to bring something completely new to the world. One of a kind, the flowers used are at the point of seeding, and the resulting brew is therefore a cross between a grain tisane and an herbal infusion. Truly magical, brewing pink then becoming a deep velvety hue over time, it provides us with an earthy brew with notes of beetroot and grains!

Red amaranth may be drunk anytime during the day including after a meal to aid digestion, or just before bedtime to relax.

Choose from the following options*:

• Nazani Tea Caddy (30g) makes approx. 30 cups – £17.95 (2019)

Catering pouches are also on request.

*Estimations are based on drinking the traditional way, where one portion will give you at least two cups (up to 3 infusions are possible) – just refill with 100°C water.

**Based on servings.

Deliveries outside the UK are available on request, please contact us with your delivery address and order, as we will be able to arrange international delivery via standard postal service or courier.

Please note the pouches are not airtight, and therefore once opened, your tisane should be transferred to an airtight caddy or storage jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odours. We do not recommend glass, plastic and paper containers. Any noted health benefits of our herbal infusions are from traditional medicine and should not be used to prevent or cure any disease.

Consult a GP if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any other health concerns.