Rose Tea vs Saffron Tea: Discover the Difference with Kesar Kehwah

Rose and saffron teas are both different. The rose tea is valued for its gentle rose scent and the saffron tea is valued for the strong scent, golden colour and warming taste. However they are both part of traditional tea making. Learning how they are different can help you find a tea to suit your tastes such as our unique Kesar Kehwah.

## Rose & Saffron Tea Differences

Rose teas are typically made by steeping edible rose petals in hot water. They will often have a gentle and slightly sweet taste. They can also contain extra ingredients such as cardamom, cinnamon or green tea.

Saffron is a highly valued spice used in cooking. It comes from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. The saffron provides a subtle floral scent to a hot infusion.

Overall the main difference is the type of ingredient. Rose teas will have a gentle floral taste whereas the saffron will give a much stronger, fragrant and warming taste.

## What Makes Rose Tea Unique?

Rose petals have been used in food and drinks for generations. Due to the fragrance they can be used in herbal teas, desserts, syrups and traditional recipes.

To make a simple rose tea you would steep dried edible rose petals in hot water. This will allow the petals to slowly infuse and give a light, floral taste.

Depending on the type of rose you will get a different taste. There are some varieties which are sweet and delicate whilst others have a stronger, floral taste.

You might like rose teas due to:

A gentle fragrance – the rose petals give a distinct floral scent

Versatile – can be used with spices, herbs or other ingredients

Beautiful – rose petals can provide a natural colour

Delicious – the gentle floral taste pairs well with hot and cold drinks.

It is important to know that there is a Difference Between Rose petals and rose hips. Rose petals are commonly used to make floral teas. However, rose hips are the fruit from the plant. These can also be used to make teas.

When making rose tea at home it is important to use edible petals from plants which have not had any unwanted pesticides. Not all flowers from regular florists are safe to consume.

## Why Saffron is a Popular Addition to Traditional Teas?

Saffron has been used in cooking for many years in many areas including Kashmir. Due to its unique scent and golden red threads it is easily recognised in traditional dishes and drinks.

Kashmiri inspired teas often combine the saffron with cardamom, cinnamon and almonds.

Saffron gives the drink a floral scent, golden colour and unique flavour.

Cardamom provides a fresh, fragrant taste.

Cinnamon gives a subtle warmth.

Almonds give a gentle nutty taste.

This means the tea will have a more complex taste. The amount of each ingredient and how long it is infused will affect the taste of the tea.

## Rose or Saffron Tea? Which One to Choose?

It depends on what you like.

If you like a light and floral taste then a rose tea may be the best option for you. This tea is great if you like delicate scents and herbal teas.

If you like a stronger, more fragrant tea then the saffron tea may appeal to you. The combination of saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and almonds gives a different taste with warming spices and a gentle finish.

A simple rose tea made with just edible rose petals will not contain any natural caffeine from the tea. However if you are purchasing a tea which contains green or black tea then it will contain caffeine. Always check the ingredients.

Saffron does not contain any caffeine from the tea leaves. If you are buying a tea which contains saffron and spices but no green or black tea it can be naturally caffeine free.

## Kesar Kehwah – A Unique Herbal Tea with Saffron

If you like a tea with the traditional Kashmiri scent but no green tea then this is the perfect option.

Kehwah’s Kesar Kehwah is made with:

Cardamom,

Almonds,

Cinnamon,

Saffron.

The saffron provides the main flavour. The cardamom gives a fragrant start. The cinnamon gives a warming taste and the almonds provide a gentle nutty finish.

This tea does not contain any green tea or traditional tea leaves. It is naturally caffeine free and comes in individual plant based pyramid tea bags.

This makes it a great option if you like a herbal tea with saffron but want it to be caffeine free.

Please note this product does contain almonds. If you suffer from an allergy to tree nuts please check the ingredients and allergens.

## How To Make the Perfect Kesar Kehwah

Making this fragrant tea is easy.

We recommend:

Boil 120ml of fresh drinking water.

Place one of the pyramid tea bags in your favourite cup.

Pour the boiling water over the tea bag.

Leave to infuse for 4-6 minutes.

Remove the tea bag and allow to settle.

Taste the tea before adding sugar or sweeteners.

We would recommend having a go without adding any milk to your first cup of tea.