In the realm of South African tea history, Nigiro’s Honeybush tea stands as a remarkable tale—one that embodies the serendipity often found in the narratives of this land. “I know a friend who knows a friend,” Mingwei remarked with a smile, reflecting on his first encounter with honeybush tea in the heart of South Africa.

Tea-connection: Land, tea and people

Back in 2015, Mingwei embarked on a journey that led him to the Eastern Cape Provinces, a place now synonymous with his tea venture. This region, now known for its connection to Nigiro’s tea ambition, initially held a quieter place in the world’s tea consciousness. What set this place apart was not only the tea it nurtured but also the strong bonds formed with local farm owners who shared an unwavering affection for honeybush.

At Nigiro, our mission is clear—popularizing honeybush tea among the public. It’s not just about celebrating its unique origin, distinctive taste, and health benefits; it’s a profound commitment to nurturing our environment and fostering awareness about ethical farming practices that revolve around the well-being of our South African farming community.

And so, with each cup of Nigiro’s Honeybush tea, we honor this commitment. As our founder fondly recalls, this journey was destined, and it continues to be driven by love—for the land, the tea, and the people who cultivate it.

Our honeybush tea research and development trial block

Cyclopia intermedia in flower

Honeybush tea before bed can be your ticket to a good night’s sleep.
Photo by Ann Danilina on Unsplash

Step-By-Step Brewing Guide: Brewing Your Honeybush Tea

Okay, now that you’re all excited to give Honeybush a try, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of brewing the perfect cup. Here’s how you do it:

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of Honeybush tea leaves (or a tea bag)
• 8 ounces of freshly boiled water

Instructions

1. Boil the water and let it cool for a minute or two. You don’t want to scorch the delicate Honeybush leaves.
2. Place the Honeybush tea leaves or tea bag in your favourite cup or teapot.
3. Pour the hot water over the tea leaves or tea bag.
4. Allow it to infuse for a duration of 5 to 7 minutes, enabling the full blossoming of its delightful flavours.
5. You can enjoy it as is or add a touch of honey for an extra layer of sweetness.

Okay, now that you’re all excited to give Honeybush a try, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of brewing the perfect cup. Here’s how you do it:

Tea-Experience: A Breathtaking Journey

So, there you have it – the lowdown on Honeybush tea. It’s not just a delicious drink; it’s a companion on your journey to wellness. The sweet, nutty flavour and the array of health benefits make it a top pick for any tea lover.

Where to Find Honeybush Tea

If the wholesome qualities of honeybush tea entice you, you might be wondering where to find this remarkable brew. Look no further than our curated honeybush tea collection. We take pride in sourcing the finest honeybush tea to offer you the most authentic South African experience. Our collection features a variety of honeybush blends, each with its own distinct character. Our selection caters to every palate, from pure honeybush for the purists to enticing flavoured infusions. Explore the world of honeybush tea with us and savour the natural flavours of South Africa.

Nigiro’s Commitment to Sustainable Honeybush Farming

At Nigiro, we are deeply committed to sustainable farming practices. Our Honeybush partners share our dedication to regenerative agriculture, working hand in hand with producers to revitalize their soils and uplift local economies. Our Honeybush is sourced through regenerative cultivation and sustainable wild harvesting, ensuring 100% traceability throughout the process. We adhere to recognized certification standards such as Organic and Regenerative Organic, drawing inspiration from the ethical principles set forth by organizations like the Union for Ethical Biotrade, Commonland, and FairWild.

So, when you savour the robust fragrance of a freshly brewed cup of our Honeybush tea, you’re not just enjoying a delightful sip; you’re also experiencing the peace and harmony that our dedicated team has cultivated.

For Relaxation

If you’re looking to relax, opt for a calming herbal infusion:

For Refreshing and Energising

If you seek a refreshing and energising cup, explore our citrus or berry-infused blends. Your perfect honeybush tea is just a sip away:

A cup of Nigiro freshly brewed honeybush tea turns your bedtime into a tranquil experience.

We, humans, have a special relationship with smoke. I’ve been curious about the idea of “smoke” since I was a young boy. Why do we humans have smokey places? Why is there always smoke in the temple? Why do people smoke? As I matured and experienced life, I also discovered that culinary artists love “smoking” their food and drinks. Why are we humans fascinated by smoked stuff? If you are looking for answers to the questions above, I have to apologize for your disappointment in advance, but if you are as interested in the idea of smoke as I am, I invite you to join us on a small category-scented tea adventure – Smoked Tea.

Smoke is often used in religious and spiritual rituals; the indigenous peoples around the world such as First Nation, India, and the Chinese use smoke to cleanse the energy of a body or object such as a house. Another urban legend is that hunter-gatherers use smoke to mark their territory, letting surrounding animals know that humans are occupying the area. Our relationship with the scent of smoke is deeply rooted in our culture, and genetically it has a significant role in our history of evolution. As our boss lady Lisa puts it, smoked scented tea is like coriander. It’s an extreme preference. “Some people love it, and some people frown upon it.” The smoked scent adds an extra layer to the tea, and almost all smoke-scented tea is black tea, as the heaviness of smoke pairs well with the full-bodied black tea.

The smoky souchong tea sold and the Dutch returned to request more.

Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash

Photo by Nanna Moilanen on Unsplash

Photo by Nanna Moilanen on Unsplash

Show your special ones how they are on your mind by choosing or customising a tea that is infused with their favourite flavour. Smoke- scented tea might just do the trick. 

This National Women’s Month, we honour the strength and grace of South African women with a thoughtfully curated tea collection designed to nurture your well-being.

• For BEAUTY: Unveil Your Beauty: Indulge in the rejuvenating powers of our Blue Horizon Green Tea. Packed with antioxidants, this blend supports your radiant glow while countering the effects of aging.
• For WARMTH: Embrace Tranquility: Find solace in the delicate embrace of our Rose Congou Black Tea. Let its soothing essence wash over you, calming your senses and inviting serenity into your daily routine.
• For HEALING: Healing From Within: Harness the natural healing properties of Hibiscus Petals. Known for alleviating bladder discomfort, this infusion is a gentle and holistic approach to your wellness journey.
• For RELAXATION: Restful Nights Await: Experience the restorative magic of our Snow Mountain Chrysanthemum Flower Tea. Drift into peaceful slumber as it lulls you into a state of relaxation, ensuring you wake up rejuvenated.
• For DETOX: Detox and Revitalize: Embrace the cleansing power of Pu’erh Tea. Kickstart your journey to weight maintenance and renewed vitality with this age-old remedy for detoxification.

As winter envelops South Africa in its gentle embrace, casting a cool spell upon the Southern Hemisphere, we invite you on a sensory journey to discover a tea that promises to warm your soul. Pu’erh, an intriguing tea, stands as the most opulent encounter on my journey through the East.

During my tenure as a brand strategist in China, my team and I had the privilege of exploring innovative product opportunities within a pu’erh “empire” nestled in the southern region of Yunnan. As we ventured into their facilities and “museum,” we stumbled upon tea cakes, and that moment defined a new perception of wealth. I was astounded to find a single piece of pu’erh tea brick priced at over three million Chinese Yuan, equivalent to approximately seven million rands. The experience was reminiscent of the world of wine and whisky, where exceptional taste commands an extraordinary price.

Allow me to share a personal story—during my upbringing in Hong Kong, pu’erh was a customary offering in Dim Sum restaurants and, most notably, my beloved grandmother’s favorite tea. Just as English office culture measures the depth of relationships by how well one remembers their colleagues’ tea preferences, I always made sure to keep a pot of pu’erh brewing for my grandmother and another filled with Ti Gui Ye, a delicate white tea for my parents.

Family lunch time in Hong Kong.

Image by Champ Kongs from Pixabay

Distinguishing Pu’erh from other teas is not a formidable task, as it usually arrives in brick form. However, it also boasts other captivating shapes: cubes, pyramids, coins, and even mushrooms! (Yes, you read that right.)

Image by Miloslav Hamřík from Pixabay

Are you ready to begin a textured tea journey and showcase your refined taste? Book your tea-tasting experience and ensure your request for Pu’erh. Don’t forget to inquire about the availability of our vegan red velvet cake when you call.

Black tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. It is enjoyed for its rich and robust flavour, and it is also known for its numerous health benefits. But did you know that black tea has a connection to Africa’s tea trading history? In this article, we will explore the health benefits of black tea and how it is linked to Africa’s tea trade.

Black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, native to China and India. It is one of the most oxidised types of tea, which gives it its distinct flavour and dark color. The leaves are harvested, withered, rolled, and then left to oxidise for several hours before being dried and packaged.

In Africa, tea was first introduced in the early 1300s by Moroccan and Somali scholars then commercially by British colonisers. The continent produces some of the finest teas in the world, and black tea is a significant part of this production. African black tea is grown in countries like Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.Today, Keyna and Malawi are one of world’s largest tea producer and exporter after China and India.

One of the main health benefits of black tea is that it is rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals in the body, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to the development of these diseases.
Black tea also contains caffeine, which can help to boost energy levels and improve mental alertness. It has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Tea production and trade have provided employment opportunities and contributed to economic growth in countries like Kenya and Malawi.

Photo by Seth Doyle on Unsplash