Zohurat Tea ( Tea of Flowers ) a Symphony of flavors

As a tea lover I always explore and enjoy a good cup of tea, during my last visit to Egypt and with the increase of the Syrian community presence in Cairo, I was introduced to Zohourat tea ( tea of Flowers ) the name Zohurat in Arabic means flowers , this tea a symphony of flavors and a legacy of traditional medicinal and herbal blend .

Zohourat tea is well known in the middle east especially in the regions of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, and according to each region the ingredients differs.

For years and years the tea blend was known as an ethnobotanical heritage that has passed from generations to generations, In some recipes the tea has more than 71 ingredients of which 41 ingredients are spices,36 ingredients are medicinal .

As an Aromatherapist I learned how to check the botanical names of the plants , search their families and from there know the therapeutics properties and importance , it is always interesting to dig deep in the botanical knowledge and the history of the plants .

Some of the famous blends of the tea contains the following ingredients

Aloysia citrodora - lemon verbena

Althaea damascena - Marshmallow

Ammi majus- Bullwort or Bishops weed

Astragalus

Borago officinalis- Star flower

Carum Carvi- Caraway

Citrus medica- Citron

Elaeagnus angustifolia - Persian olive

Jasminum officinale- Jasmine

Lavandula angustifolia- Lavender

Matricarica chamomila - Chamomile

Melissa officinalis- Lemon balm

Mentha x piperita- Peppermint

Pimpinella anisum- Anise

Pinus brutia- Turkish pine

Pistacia palaestina- Zaatar

Prunus dulcis - Almonds

Psidium guajava - Guava leaves

Rosa x damascena - Rose

Saccharum officinarum - Sugar cane roots

Salvia fruticosa- Greek Sage

Salvia officinalis- Sage

Sambucus nigra- Elderberry

yzygium aromaticum- Clove

Ziziphus jujuba Mill - Jujube

It was used for centuries in the middle east and is still used for home remedy medicinal properties ,to address and help with digestive, respiratory and nervous system (sedative) conditions.

Of course drinking the tea in a coffee shop in Cairo was not that sophisticated with all the 71 one ingredients , my best friend Maha is my partner is discovering different drinks and foods from different cuisines, it is always a quest of knowledge , discovery and memories and so much fun

In March 2020 and before everything was in lockdown I enjoyed a cup of Zohurat tea with Maha .

My tea was a blend of ( Roses- chamomile - Sage- Guava leaves and orange rinds )

I am sure if you try the tea once you will fall in love with it .

The tea is available on Amazon and middle eastern stores in USA

References :

*A Survey of Plants Used in Jordanian Traditional Medicine Suleiman Al-Khalil

*Traditional Lebanese Recipes Based on Wild Plants: An Answer to Diet Simplification Malek Batal, Elizabeth Hunter Computer Science, Biology, Medicine Food and nutrition bulletin -2007

*Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety, 7(3), 229–254. Salah, S. M., & Jäger, A. K. (2005)

*Screening of traditionally used Lebanese herbs for neurological activities

* Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 97, 145–149. Sincich, F. (2002). Bedouin traditional medicine in the Syrian steppe. Rome: FAO.