A red rose is the universally recognised flower of love. As such, Valentine’s Day sees peak sales of these crimson blooms. With bouquets on sale in every florist, supermarket and convenience store, it’s easy to pick up a bunch to gift. However, it can be more thoughtful to consider a twist on this tradition. If the one you adore is a tea lover, a rose tisane could offer a more meaningful Valentine’s Gift.
Where Did The Tradition of Giving Roses on Valentine’s Day Originate From?
Historical references suggest that roses were desirable in Ancient Greece and Rome, due to their beautiful scent and rich colour. However, the connection with red blooms for Valentine’s Day was certainly cemented in the Victorian era, when floriography was all the rage.
Floriography offered a way to express feelings and intentions in a formal society using flowers. It operated as a subtle code when people were often restricted in conversation. The species of flower and the colour were all assigned a meaning, so gifting a bouquet was a complicated business. In floriography, red roses indicated desire, while red tulips stood for true love.
Meanwhile, a bunch of yellow roses expressed friendship, and pink petals represented gratitude, so they were more likely to be given as a thank you. They may not have been what someone was hoping to receive on Valentine’s Day. However, they are preferable to a combination of red and white flowers, which was seen as a foreteller of death.
Why Rose Tisane is the Perfect Gift for Tea Lovers
Flowers are beautiful, yet these days it takes little thought to give a bunch of red roses. What’s more, in little more than a week, they will have wilted. So, we’d like to suggest a great alternative.
If the love of your life enjoys relaxing with a cup of tea, you can express your affections with a rose tisane. Tisanes are often called herbal teas, yet they contain no tea. Instead, they are a blend of plants that provide a warm, caffeine-free drink that aids well-being.
The properties that scented rose petals bring to a tisane include an appealing appearance, delicate sweetness and subtle floral aromas. Rose petals are naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are beneficial for skin health and digestion. In addition, rose is soothing and mood-enhancing.
Rose tea has a rich history in Persia, where the gardens, such as the exquisite Bāq e Eram in Iran, were often abundant with roses. The petals were handpicked and used to produce rose water for cooking and bathing, as well as being made into tisanes. Drinking rose infusions was a sign of refined luxury.
Our English Garden & Something Sweet Tisanes
We use quality rose petals in our English Garden tisane. The fragrant petals are blended with chamomile buds and mallow flowers for a drink that transports you to a peaceful English garden on a summer’s day.
Another option is Something Sweet, which blends premium South African rooibos leaves, rose petals, hibiscus and rosehip with pieces of strawberry and apple for a rich red tisane with a deliciously fruity flavour.
Simply infuse a teaspoon of either loose leaf tea in water that is just off the boil for 3 minutes for a delightful brew.
Our tisanes are sold in plastic-free, compostable bags, or you may be interested in a gift set. There is a large caddy gift set, which includes a measuring spoon, strainer and gold container to keep the tisane fresh. Alternatively, we offer a caffeine-free gift set with three small caddies containing South African Summer and two tisanes of your choice, with a strainer.
These are meaningful gifts that last longer than a bunch of flowers and offer a more original angle on gifting roses for Valentine’s Day. Don’t leave it until the last minute! You can place your order online or visit us at the Woburn Sands or Woburn Village market this weekend.
