SAMAHAN is neither a single-herb tea nor a simple infusion of one herb. The recipe is based on a blend of 14 plant ingredients and spices traditionally used in Sri Lankan Ayurvedic practice.
The key ingredients and their role in the overall profile of the drink:
- Ginger, long pepper and black pepper create a pronounced warming effect and make the taste rich and slightly spicy.
- Coriander and cumin are spices with a ‘digestive’ profile, traditionally chosen after a hearty meal.
- Liquorice softens the overall heat and adds a sweetish note that balances the peppery element.
The fundamental difference from most herbal teas lies in its many layers: the drink warms you, releases its aroma on contact with hot water and leaves a long aftertaste — all at once. This is achieved by combining the ingredients, not by concentrating any one of them. Those used to neutral herbal teas will find the taste more expressive and ‘oriental’.