A flavour sensation not only to be enjoyed during the cold season: this soft,
creamy green tea blend will captivate you all year round. Fine hints of coconut,
almond and a touch of cream show to their best advantage on our green tea
base. Delicious, sweet sugared almonds, crunchy toasted coconut chips and star
anise complete the work of art.
About Almonds
Almonds are generally
considered to be a nut but they are actually an edible seed (drupe) of the
almond tree. Studies claim many health benefits including cholesterol reduction
as well as almonds being packed with vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.
Almonds can be eaten many ways, on their own in a raw condition or toasted,
sliced or flaked, in flour, oil, butter or as a replacement for dairy milk.
Marzipan, which is used in cakes and chocolate fillings, is made from sugar,
honey and ground almonds.
Almonds go back to
biblical times and are believed to originate from the Middle East before spreading
to India, North Africa and the Mediterranean, especially Italy and Spain. They
were used in bread that was served to the Pharaohs in Egypt.
The almond tree was
brought to California in the 18th century by the Spanish Franciscans
and the weather of the inland valleys was found to be ideal for growing. Today
the Sacramento and San Joaquin areas of California’s Central Valley produce 70%
of the world’s output. Almonds are exported to many countries with Germany being
the biggest consumer. One of the production issues is the lack of indigenous
water. Californian agriculture consumes around 80% of the state’s water, with
supplies coming from other states such as Colorado, and almonds are a very
thirsty crop.
