Peppermint is a versatile and deliciously minty tea, with an unforgettable flavor and unique history. Little do most of us know, but peppermint originated as a naturally occurring hybrid of water mint and spearmint. The exact date of this union is unknown, but ancient Egyptians and likely, the Greeks, enjoyed it.

But peppermint was more than a delightful tea. It was also a medicine, a cure-all for upset stomach, anxiety, the common cold, sinus problems… In 1682 Europe, peppermint appeared in John Ray's book Methodius Plantarum Nova and was listed in the London Pharmacopoeia in 1721. The Colonists used the peppermint as a medicine, of course, and advertisements aplenty touted their value – the stronger, the better. Said one advertisement of 1780 advertised “essence of peppermint or peppermint drops…more strongly impregnated with peppermint than the common sort.” Another, in 1850, claimed “Old bachelors do not live as long as other men. They catch cold and no one is there to make them peppermint tea.”

Whether medicine, tea, today’s fabulous array of candies or all of the above, peppermint’s presence is welcome and reliable.

To make peppermint tea, add one tea bag of peppermint to boiling water. Let steep to the intensity you desire, whether you’re an old bachelor or a feisty Colonist. Comes with 15 tea bags.

Disclaimer!