A rosy, almost coral liquor, at the hour when one expects the pale gold of evening herbal infusions: it is hibiscus that gives its colour to Douce Quiétude Mélisse Hibiscus Bio, and with it an unexpected liveliness at the end of the day.

Its calyces come from Egypt, Nigeria or Burkina Faso. They share the lead of the blend with nettle, harvested in Ukraine, Slovakia, Bulgaria or France, while lemon balm from Bulgaria, France or Morocco adds its lemony note. Follow liquorice root, orange peel, dandelion, St John’s wort, elderberry and rose petals, all grown organically.

Dry, the purple of the hibiscus stands out against the green of the leaves. On the palate, the fruity tartness opens the way, the nettle lays down a vegetal base, and the lemon balm slides in its soft citrus. The liquorice then rounds the cup with a natural sweetness, which the orange peel brightens. The finish stays fresh, lightly floral thanks to the rose.

Caffeine-free, it suits the evening, and will delight above all those whom overly sober herbal teas leave weary. At 12 to 16 g per litre, a small 500 ml teapot takes 6 to 8 g; the water must boil, at 100 °C, and the flowers infuse for five to ten minutes; a longer infusion intensifies the tartness. An almond tuile or a few raspberries go well with it, as does a lemon tart.

Ombelle offers it loose leaf, weighed to your needs in our two shops, in pouches designed to preserve its taste qualities.