Prickly Pear Green Tea

Picture a cup that opens with the fresh, vegetal clarity of a Sencha, then unfolds into soft, fruity notes evoking the juicy flesh of prickly pear. That is exactly what this creation from Thés & Traditions delivers: a vibrant, elegant blend crafted for those who love indulgent green teas without the sweetness overload.

This flavored green tea is more than a scented brew. It brings together two complementary green teas, tender quince, plump raisins and two celebrated superfoods: moringa and spirulina. The result is a smooth, fruity, gently vegetal drink that works beautifully served hot on a quiet morning or iced on a sun-warmed afternoon.

To explore further, discover our guide to green tea, a true gateway into this captivating aromatic family.

The aromatic profile of prickly pear green tea

On first nose, the leaves release an indulgent, fruity fragrance centered on ripe prickly pear, with hints of golden raisin and a gentle vegetal touch from spinach and moringa leaves.

Top notes: juicy prickly pear, candied quince, golden raisin. A sweet, sun-drenched opening that recalls a fruit picked at the peak of summer.

Heart notes: herbaceous Sencha, fresh verbena, softly honeyed meadowsweet. The green breath of the infusion, its point of balance.

Base notes: umami Matcha, moringa and spirulina that carry the finish into a dense, almost mineral length, surprisingly lingering on the palate.

This generous composition makes our Japanese cherry green tea an interesting sensory cousin: if you enjoy fruity green teas, you will find another profile worth exploring there. Browse our green tea selection to build your seasonal ritual.

The ingredients that make this blend

• China Sencha: a smooth, gently iodized vegetal base that gives the infusion its structure.
• Matcha: adds umami depth and a luminous jade color in the cup.
• Quince: natural sweetness and a candied texture that extends the fruity finish.
• Raisin (with vegetable oil): plump and mellow, accentuating the ripe fruit note.
• Moringa: a tonic green leaf with fresh, herbaceous tones.
• Spirulina: a micro-algae celebrated as a superfood, adding vegetal depth.
• Meadowsweet: honeyed florality with a delicate almond undertone.
• Whole verbena: a lemony lift, refreshing on the finish.
• Spinach: chlorophyll and green roundness.
• Natural flavor: brings out the prickly pear signature.

How to prepare prickly pear green tea

Getting the most from this green tea calls for a little care. Water that is too hot will scorch the Sencha and Matcha leaves, masking the fruity note. Here are the four key guidelines.

Temperature: 75 to 80°C. If you do not have a variable-temperature kettle, bring the water to a boil then let it rest off the heat for 3 to 4 minutes before pouring it over the leaves.

Quantity: 12 to 15 g per liter, roughly one level tablespoon for a large 50 cl teapot. For a single cup, use one heaped teaspoon.

Steeping time: 2 to 3 minutes. Beyond that, the bitterness of the Sencha takes over and obscures the fruity sweetness. Be sure to strain as soon as the time is up.

Water: opt for low-mineral water, ideally filtered. Heavily calcified water will dull the clarity of the drink and weigh down the flavor.

Iced version

This blend lends itself beautifully to cold steeping. Use 15 g per liter of cold water, leave in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours, strain, then add a few slices of lemon and some fresh mint. A refreshing alternative to a classic juice on warm days.

What to pair it with

The fruity softness of this brew pairs wonderfully with almond biscuits, fromage blanc drizzled with honey or a summer fruit salad. For a savory pause, it also complements mild cheeses such as fresh goat's cheese.

If you are looking for a more bracing green tea to start the day, you might also enjoy our Earl Grey Sencha green tea, another beautiful Sencha-based blend.

The benefits of green tea and its blending partners

Green tea has been studied for centuries for its wealth of antioxidant compounds, particularly catechins including EGCG. According to the EFSA, these polyphenols help protect cells from oxidative stress when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

This infusion also provides a moderate dose of caffeine (theine), which supports alertness and concentration, making it a popular gentle alternative to coffee during the morning.

Moringa, often called the "tree of life," is the subject of numerous studies referenced on PubMed. Spirulina, a micro-algae long valued for its nutritional density, is regulated in France by the ANSES.

To explore further, read our green tea and wellness guide or discover when to drink green tea throughout your day. Enjoy this prickly pear green tea as part of your daily ritual and let its sunny aromas brighten each cup.

Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, personally selects every product in the range to ensure the right balance between sensory pleasure and ingredient quality.

Storing your green tea

To preserve the freshness of the Sencha and Matcha and the fruity roundness of the quince and raisin, keep the leaves in an airtight container away from light, moisture and strong odors. An opaque metal tin or a ceramic canister works perfectly.

Avoid the refrigerator, which introduces moisture and unwanted flavor transfers. A stable room temperature around 18-20°C in a kitchen cupboard away from spices is ideal. For the best flavor, use the blend within 12 months of opening.

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of prickly pear?
Prickly pear is traditionally valued for the richness of its fruit in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. The skin and pulp contain compounds studied for their nutritional interest. In our infusion, it is the natural flavor that brings out its sunny notes.

How is prickly pear used in cooking?
The fresh fruit is eaten peeled (watch out for the spines on the skin), in salads, sorbets or juice. It pairs naturally with lemon, honey or mint. The dried version works well in pastries and homemade infusions.

How do I prepare prickly pear green tea?
Steep 12 to 15 g of leaves per liter in water at 75-80°C for 2 to 3 minutes. Water that is too hot or steeping that is too long will bring out the bitterness of the Sencha. Strain and enjoy plain or lightly sweetened with honey.

What types of prickly pear tea are available?
You will mainly find flavored green teas (Sencha, Matcha, occasionally Gunpowder) and, less commonly, Rooibos or herbal infusions scented with prickly pear. Our selection favors a premium Sencha-Matcha blend enriched with superfoods.

Sources

• EFSA, European Food Safety Authority, assessments on tea polyphenols.
• ANSES, Recommendations on spirulina consumption and dietary supplements.
• PubMed, Scientific publications on moringa and green tea.