Caraway and fennel belong to the same botanical family, the Apiaceae, the umbellifers, whose flowers open like parasols at the top of their stems. For centuries their seeds have flavoured bread, cheeses and cabbages across northern Europe and the Mediterranean. They are the stars of Tisane Fenouil Camomille Carvi Bio.

The caraway comes from Lithuania, the fennel from Egypt, and the chamomile from Egypt, Croatia and Kosovo. The rest of the blend follows a classic herbal formula: lemon balm, mint, liquorice root, dent-de-lion, rosemary and verbena. Dent-de-lion is none other than dandelion. All these ingredients are organic.

Dense, it evokes the old apothecary when dry. The liquor is golden. The caraway and fennel duo immediately lays down an aniseed roundness, which the chamomile extends with a honeyed softness. Lemon balm and verbena bring a fresh lemony note, the mint a light breath, and the liquorice a natural sweetness. On the finish, rosemary and dent-de-lion leave a fine bitterness that gives structure to the end of the cup.

Evening is its moment: it is naturally caffeine-free. Measure 12 to 15 grams per litre, with water at 100 °C, and steep for seven to ten minutes. Steeped for longer, it gains in bitterness and depth.

It pairs well with a seeded bread, a pressed-curd cheese or a pear. Kept dry and away from light, in an airtight box, the fragrance of the seeds lasts longer. It is packed to order, from the 15 g sample to packs of several kilos, in sachets that protect its aromas.