POMEGRANATE MADAGASCAR

Combine the juicy flavors of northern Africa with the exotic sweetness of southern Africa and what do you get? Let's find out. First we travel to North Africa, specifically Algeria, where grow some of the finest Pomegranates in the world. Pomegranates are very high in Vitamin C, polyphenols and antioxidants and because of their incredible flavor play a large role in the culinary traditions of the country. Next we visit Madagascar, located off the South Eastern coast of Africa. A widely known fact is that Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world - a lesser known fact is that the island is the world's largest exporter of Vanilla. So, what do we have? We have pomegranate and vanilla, a couple of incredible flavors that together offer a m̢?ülange that is at once light and juicy and full of rich depth.

So, how did these flavors from the north and south come together in the first place? While there are no written records describing the first time the two ingredients were introduced to one another, it is almost certain to have happened at the hands of a French chef. A Frenchman? Mais oui. Both countries, Algeria from 1830 - 1962 and Madagascar from 1896 - 1960, were at one time colonies of France. As such, there was much interaction between the two. In fact, it is entirely possible that the first blending occurred in 1896, the very year France annexed Madagascar. (Immediately after France took possession of the island, Madagascar's royal family was moved to Algeria, bringing their cooks with them.)

Final question: how did these two flavors, united by the French, come to be blended with a delicately textured Pai Mu Tan white tea from Fujian, China? For that fateful occurrence you can thank our Master Blender who knows a great flavor combo when he sees, smells or tastes one. The resulting cup, Pomegranate Madagascar is a fabulous blend to offer customers who want the health benefits of white tea and the bright flavors of herb and fruit blends. A spectacular white!

Is white tea good for you? According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: "observational studies in humans suggest that daily consumption of at least 3 cups of tea may be associated with a modest (11%) decrease in the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack)."