Healthy, Herbal Teas from the Gardens of Bittersweet Farm in Higganum

Tea is an ancient drink which can be traced all the way back to nearly 3,000 years BC. Its consumption originated in China where the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) was first dried and steeped until its rich flavors emerged. Tea comes in familiar forms – white, green, oolong, and black – each with their own unique characteristics, but all from the same plant.  e different colors are due to when the plant’s leaves are harvested and the level of processing they undergo. For example, white tea is from the youngest leaves of the tea plant before they have fully unfurled and are very minimally processed. Black tea on the other hand is from the mature leaves which are dried and oxidized until they turn a rich mahogany color. You will not find traditional tea plants growing in abundance here in New England, but you will find many herbs.

Local farmer Kristy Benson-Amarante of Bittersweet Farm serendipitously began her journey into the world of blending tea almost a decade ago in 2015. She was renting a massive farmhouse and a little farm. Kristy had always dreamed of owning her own farm. “At the time, I did not make tea. I drank tea, but that was it,” she reminisces. Her mother had owned an herb business when Kristy was 10, but her mother didn’t make tea either. With the help of her mother, Kristy started the farm where she grew vegetables and raised animals. She also grew a small number of culinary herbs.

Starting a farm is no easy task and Kristy found herself under an immense amount of stress. Sadly, Kristy began getting intense headaches. Determined to find a remedy for her ailment, Kristy began reading about natural remedies. As a result, she concocted a headache tea for herself which was the first tea she ever made. Tocreatewhat would become her signature headache tea, Kristy combined a mix of herbsthat she grew including holy basil (also known as tulsi), ginger, mint, and others pluscinnamon and clove which are not typically grown in Connecticut.  She experimented with the ratios until she crafted the perfect blend.

“Drinking it every couple of hours made my headaches go away and made them so much more manageable. I’ll give my mother credit as she suggested, ‘You should put this in a bag and bring it to the next farmers market.’”

Kristy heeded her mother’s words of wisdom and asked the farmers market manager if she could sell the tea. Kristy brought five bags with her, and all sold. She slowly made more teas including a sleepy time tea and others. She would handwrite on the label what the ingredients were, and they would sell. Kristy was amazed. She began to educate herself in every way possible, going to online schools and reading all the herb books she could find. Eventually, the teas sold so well that Kristy no longer needed to grow vegetables – she had created a bustling business from the herbal teas which had gifted her serenity during her time of need.

Kristy now crafts countless teas. She grows an array of herbs which can thrive in New England and sources the remaining ingredients, including the tea itself, from trusted organic suppliers. Her favorite tea at this time of year is her Christmas tea. It is a rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) based beverage. Rooibos is derived from the red bush plant native to Africa. It is rich in vitamin-C. Kristy adds cinnamon, clove, and other warming ingredients to the mix to create a special seasonal blend.

“Kristy created a bustling business from the herbal teas which had gifted her serenity during her time of need.”

Left: A beautiful, thriving echinacea plant. Right: Kristy at a farmer's market.

Here are some of the herbs you may find growing in Kristy’s beautiful gardens at different times of the year…

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – the flower’s bright orange petals can be used to soothe and restore. Research has found that calendula can have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – the leaves offer a sweet lemony scent. This plant has been found to improve mood and promote feelings of calmness.

Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) – the leaves of this beloved fruit plant are rich in vitamin C, iron, and magnesium. Raspberry leaves have traditionally been used to help reduce muscle cramping.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – these delicate flowers have a mild scent and flavor. Studies have found that chamomile is anti-inflammatory and can assist with sleep.

Rose (Rosa rubiginosa) – the beautiful and fragrant rose petals are rich in antioxidants. Research has found that roses can aid in sleep and reduce stress.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) – the fresh-smelling stalks of this plant can be used to aid in digestion.

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) – the leaves of this plant have been used for centuries to reduce anxiety.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – the flowers, leaves, and stems of this plant can be used to boost the immune system.

Mint (Mentha canadensis) – the aromatic leaves of the mint plant can be used to improve digestion.

Never be surprised by the solutions to life’s problems that exist right here in nature. Kristy is surely living proof that a person can take a challenging situation and make it flower into a world of opportunity.

• Teas available at bitter-sweetfarm.com or via HealthyPlanEat.com for shipping or in-person pick in East Lyme, Middletown, Deep River, and Salem. Also at FoodWorks, Essential Health, and other retail locations listed on the site.