Soho Blend is a creative blending project that allows us to share with you, our customers, the flavours and themes we are most inspired by each season. With Soho Blend SS22 we wanted a blend that acknowledged the navigation of this complicated world over the past two years, and that even in a time of crisis can help attain a sense of balance. We were inspired by these two 15^th Century illustrations that evoke the feeling of balance: with the flowering crown – a head held high; a lush green body – physical wellbeing; and strong roots – finding meaning and purpose.

Soho Blend SS22 is our most complex yet, and is made with a selection of herbs carefully sourced from India, France, Greece, Japan and Lithuania. Ingredients include:

St John’s Wort

St John’s wort has become popular as a cure-all herbal for many health issues, with many of its benefits validated by the scientific community – and is often prescribed to relieve symptoms of depression. St. John’s wort is a small flowering plant from the Hypericum genus that grows in the wild in Europe – ours comes from Lithuania. Also known as rosin or goatweed. It has a bittersweet taste not unlike black tea.

 Greek Mountain tea

Mountain tea was used by the ancient Greeks as a healing herbal, medicinal drink. Hippocrates, the Greek philosopher known as the father of modern medicine, hailed its benefits for the immune and respiratory systems.  The Greek mountain tea, commonly known as ironwort, is made of leaves and blossoms of plants from the Sideritis species. It is rich in anti-oxidants and a natural antimicrobial. It has a delicate flavour with woody, earthy tones.

 Lemon Verbena

Lemon Verbena is a highly aromatic plant rich in essential oils, with long elegant green leaves and an aromatic citrus scent. It is indigenous to South America, and introduced to Europe by the Spanish. It has soothing and uplifting properties, and helps with indigestion, cramps, insomnia and reduces inflammation. It has a refreshing lemony flavour with gentle herbal notes.

 Ancient Mint

Mentha pulegium, also known as Pennyroyal mint. It played a significant role as a culinary herb for the ancient Greeks and Romans.  Its crushed leaves are sweet and aromatic with a fragrance similar to spearmint.

Dittany from Crete

Origanum dictamnus is a small ground-covering herb found only in the rocky mountains on the island of Crete in Greece. It is also known as Erontas, from the ancient Greek god of love, and was believed that one had to be genuinely in love to climb the mountains and gather the shrub. It is known as a healing herb with antioxidant and digestive properties. Dittany has a sharp and pleasantly bitter flavour, with a savoury note a little like thyme.

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. Its genus name, Achillea, refers to the warrior Achilles in Greek mythology, who used yarrow to treat his soldiers’ wounds. It has long been used for digestive issues, blood circulation and helps fight inflammation. It has a delicate grassy flavour with a slight aniseed taste.

 Blackcurrant leaf & fruit

The leaves and fruit of blackcurrants are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. With a strong, tart flavour when fresh, the berries when dried add colour, slight acidity and a sweet earthiness to a blend.

Japanese Amacha

Amacha is made of the leaves of organic hydrangea. The leaves are dried in the sun, fermented and rolled, then dried again to intensify the flavour.  It brews into a beautiful green liquor with a natural sweetness. Amacha is traditionally served to celebrate Buddha’s birthday.

 Spicy Curcumin extract & Turmeric

Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a flowering plant of the ginger family. It is a staple of Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric contains a group of polyphenol antioxidants called curcuminoids and the most potent is curcumin. It is rich in minerals and widely used to help boost the immune system, anti-inflammatory, and may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. It has a deep golden colour and an earthy spiciness.

We recommend 2 grams Soho Blend SS22 to every 100 ml of boiling water.

It has a bittersweet character, brews to a golden colour liquor, with a rich mouthfeel and spicy flavour notes that fill the palate.