New, Tasmanian grown tea with a twist! Wasabi Leaf Tea is healthy and delicious

INTRODUCING NEW TASMANIAN WASABI LEAF TEAS!

Tasmania is not usually thought of a tea growing state, and for good reason, we only have one small local commercial plantation! People often ask “can tea grow in Tasmania?” Read about that here.

However, other than from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is pruned for black, green, oolong and white teas, Tasmania is home to another plant, traditionally associated with Japan and Japanese cooking, but the leaf of this plant makes a delicious and healthy tisane (a non Camellia sinensis steeped beverage).
We now have the dried leaves from this health boosting plant for our new tea range! Shima, based in the north of Tasmania near Port Sorell, is well known for producing exceptional quality wasabi rhizomes from the true Wasabi japonica plant. A wasabi rhizome is the stem-like part of the wasabi plant that is commonly used in cooking and is well-known for its pungent and spicy flavour. Wasabi rhizomes are usually grated into a paste and used as a condiment in Japanese cuisine, particularly with sushi and sashimi. They can also be used to add flavour to dressings, marinades, and other dishes.

Art of Tea is however delighted to introduce you to the delightful world of
WASABI LEAF TEA!

Now, before you get anxious and think you are going to be sipping a hot green-lava like beverage, we want to assure you the leaf is quite different from the rhizome! The rhizome contains allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which is what causes the heat and pungency. The leaves have minimal AITC, so minimal in fact that none of our tea-m could detect a single trace of heat or any typical wasabi punch! Trust us, we are tea ladies!!

Wasabi leaf brew flavour
The leaf brewed as a tea is remarkably mild, delicate, slightly vegetal, almost sweet, and could be described even as “soft” on the palate.
So, there is no need for trepidation, these new blends are truly delightful and have a LOT of health benefits! We have written a short blog on our website about these. Read more about the anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, and other health benefits here.

NEW TASMANIAN WASABI TEA LEAF BLENDS

Tasmanian wasabi leaf and Tasmanian green tea 100% Tasmania, Australia grown
First, our Tasmanian Shima wasabi leaf and Tasmanian green tea blend offers a delicate and mellow experience. The premium quality, locally sourced ingredients are carefully blended to create a perfect balance of earthy notes and subtle sweetness in every sip.

Tasmanian wasabi leaf and Tasmanian native pepperberry leaf 100% Tasmania, Australia grown

Next, we have our Tasmanian Shima wasabi leaf and Tasmanian native pepperberry leaf tea blend. This tea is perfect for those who love a little spice in their life. Yes, this one DOES have some ZING, and that’s all thanks to the polygodial found in native Tassie pepperberry (Tasmannia* lanceloata) berries AND leaves. The pepperberry (aka mountain berry) leaf adds a warming kick that is perfectly complemented by the unique flavor of the mild wasabi leaf. This blend is a true 100% Tasmanian delight, and a must-try for tea lovers looking for something different.
*Yes, “Tasmannia” does have a double “nn” 😉

Tasmanian wasabi leaf and organic lemongrass & ginger
Third, the Tasmanian wasabi leaf with organic lemongrass and ginger tea blend offers a zesty and refreshing brew. The combination of the delicate wasabi leaf, warming ginger, and citrusy lemongrass, creates a unique and satisfying tea experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

We invite you to try our new tea blends today and discover the unique and refreshing taste of Tasmanian wasabi leaf!

Tasmanian wasabi leaf and Tasmanian green tea
Tasmanian wasabi leaf and Tasmanian native pepperberry leaf
Tasmanian wasabi leaf and organic lemongrass & ginger