Solar Breath – Energy & Vitality No. 09

"Let the light in. A bold fusion between the softness of Rooibos and the vigor of Maté, for a conquering awakening."

There are mornings when the mind remains foggy, when the body asks for a spark to light up. There are also those mid-afternoon slumps where motivation wavers. It is to infuse this radiant energy, this inner warmth that drives action, that we imagined Solar Breath - Energy & Vitality No. 09.

If our "Night Voyage" blend is an ode to twilight, this Solar Breath is a celebration of dawn. At Comptoir de Toamasina, I didn't want to create a simple energy drink. I sought to capture the physical sensation of a sunbeam on the skin in the middle of winter.

This blend is a small feat of balance: it achieves the tour de force of marrying Rooibos, the plant of absolute relaxation, with Green Maté, the plant of action par excellence. The result? A diffuse, constant vitality, without the aggression of an overly strong coffee.

A Mosaic of Terroirs: Africa Meets South America

To compose this infusion, we summoned ingredients from the four corners of the world to create a synergy that is both active and gourmet.

1. The Balance Duo: Rooibos and Maté

This is the beating heart of this blend. Two polar opposite plants that complement each other wonderfully.

• Natural Rooibos (South Africa): Nicknamed "Red Tea," it brings roundness, honeyed notes, and a silky texture. It tempers the ardor of the maté and hydrates the body deeply.
• Green Maté (Brazil/Argentina): It is the engine of the infusion. Renowned for fighting fatigue, it contains mateine which awakens alertness. Unlike coffee, it offers sustainable energy, without a "peak" or sudden excitement.

2. The Inner Fire: Ginger and Cardamom

To transform this energy into beneficial warmth, we added solar spices.

• Ginger: It brings its characteristic spicy and lemony note. A general tonic, it wakes up the digestive system and stimulates circulation. It is the spark that lights the fire.
• Cardamom: The "Queen of Spices." It offers camphorated, fresh, and elegant notes. It opens the respiratory tracts and the mind, bringing immediate mental clarity.

3. The Indulgence: Orange, Fennel, and Liquorice

Because energy must remain a pleasure, we worked on the aromatic roundness.

• Orange Peels: The citrus brings joy, fruit sugar, and a controlled acidity that makes the mouth water. Orange pairs divinely well with spices, recalling the comforting flavors of gingerbread.
• Fennel & Liquorice: This duo works in the background to soften the natural bitterness of the maté. Liquorice coats the palate, while fennel ensures light digestion.

The Sensory Profile: A Warm Blooming

Solar Breath No. 09 is a tea with character, which leaves no one indifferent.

On the Nose: It is an immediate journey into a spice shop. Cardamom and orange dominate the attack, followed by the peppery heat of ginger. The woody background of Rooibos anchors the whole.

To the Eye: A liquor of deep amber, with copper reflections, typical of the marriage between the red of Rooibos and the gold of Maté.

On the Palate: The attack is lively. Ginger tingles the tongue pleasantly, immediately softened by the creaminess of the Rooibos and the sweet note of the orange. The Maté brings a vegetal structure, but without astringency. The finish is fresh, carried by the cardamom.

Why is Solar Breath your asset for the day?

Preparation Tips: Taming the Fire

This blend requires specific preparation to extract the strength of the spices without burning the finesse of the Maté.

• The Temperature: 100°C (212°F). Unlike a pure maté, this blend requires boiling water to allow the Rooibos, orange peels, and roots (Ginger, Liquorice) to release their aromas. The green Maté used here is robust and will withstand this heat.
• The Dosage: 17 to 20g per liter. Be generous (4 to 5g for a large mug) to ensure body and texture.
• The Time: 7 to 10 minutes.
  - 7 minutes: For a balance where orange dominates.
  - 10 minutes: To extract all the "heat" of the ginger and the power of the Maté. Ideal for a kickstart.

Breathe. Drink. Radiate.
With Solar Breath No. 09, every sip is a new dawn.