The Tasty World of Bigelow's Apple Cider Black Tea

The History and Origins of Bigelow Apple Cider Tea

Apple cider tea has recently grown in popularity thanks to its delicious taste and potential health benefits. Bigelow is one of the most well-known brands of apple cider tea on the market today. But where did this tasty beverage come from originally?

Using Apples in Tea Throughout History

The use of apple ingredients in teas and herbal infusions has a long history. Apples have been used in traditional folk medicines across Europe and North America for centuries. Native American tribes mixed wild apple branches with hot water to make medicinal teas aimed at treating fever and gastrointestinal issues.

Apple tea consumption became especially popular in colonial America. Colonists found apples easy to grow in the New World and soon incorporated them into many recipes. Adding apple peels, pulp, or juice to hot tea water made for a tasty beverage on cold fall days.

The Origins of Modern Apple Cider Tea

As apple cultivation spread across America, so did recipes using apples in drinks. By the 1800s, a hot drink called "apple cider tea" emerged as a favorite of many Americans. Households started brewing their own apple tea concoctions using apple cider instead of plain water as the base.

These early apple cider teas used actual apple cider vinegar or unfiltered apple juice. The tart and tannic flavors complemented black, green, or herbal tealeaves beautifully. The name "apple cider tea" stuck even as commercial tea producers began selling this drink in teabags without alcohol or vinegar.

The Founding of Bigelow Tea Company

The Bigelow Tea Company played a central role in popularizing modern apple cider tea. In 1945, Ruth Campbell Bigelow created a revolutionary new teabag that allowed flavor and aromas to seep out while preventing tealeaves from spilling into the cup.

Ruths son David L. Bigelow built upon this technology to found Bigelow Tea in his New York home in 1945. Within a few years, Bigelow Tea was selling its signature blends across the United States. Consumer interest in premium specialty teas was Growing rapidly in postwar America.

The Creation of Bigelow Apple Cider Tea Bags

In the 1960s, Bigelow Tea responded to growing consumer interest in apple flavors by perfecting an "apple cider" teabag. After much trial and error, they settled on a blend of black tea, cinnamon, cloves, and natural apple flavors.

The end result was a perfectly balanced apple cider tea that brewed smoothly in teabags while retaining the coveted flavors of classic cider teas. The launch of Bigelow Apple Cider black tea bags marked the commercial arrival of apple tea as we know it today.

The Taste Profile and Brewing Tips for Bigelow Apple Cider Tea

So what exactly does Bigelow apple cider tea taste like? And how do you properly brew it to extract the best flavors?

Flavor Notes in Bigelow Apple Cider Tea

Each sip of Bigelow apple cider tea delivers a symphony of autumnal flavors:

• Sweet apple - Natural apple extract provides fruity sweetness without any added sugars.
• Cinnamon spice - A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth.
• Cloves - Cloves enhance the apple and cinnamon flavors.
• Black tea - High quality black tea leaves give the drink a pleasant briskness.

Customers describe the tea as having a bright, crisp apple taste with a smooth black tea finish. There is a lovely balance between juicy fruitiness and spicy warmth. The flavors evoke cozy memories of fresh-baked apple pies cooling on the windowsill.

Brewing Instructions

Bigelow provides recommendations for brewing a delicious cup of their apple cider tea. But feel free to adjust brew times and temperatures to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 Bigelow apple cider tea bag
• 8 oz fresh cold or hot water

Brewing cold apple cider tea:

1. Fill a glass with 8 oz cold water and ice
2. Add a Bigelow apple cider teabag
3. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours
4. Remove tea bag and enjoy

Brewing hot apple cider tea:

1. Heat 8 oz water to boiling
2. Place teabag in cup and pour in hot water
3. Steep for 5 minutes
4. Remove tea bag and enjoy

Be careful not to over-steep the tea, as the taste can become overly tannic. Enjoy the tea hot or chill it over ice for a refreshing cold brew.

The Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Bigelow Apple Cider Tea

Beyond being a delicious beverage, Bigelow apple cider tea may also promote health in several ways.

Antioxidants from Black Tea

Black teas like those used in Bigelow apple cider tea contain flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. This antioxidant effect may provide protection against certain diseases and inflammation.

However studies on black tea antioxidants have shown mixed results. While promising, more research is needed to confirm specific health protective effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

The cinnamon and cloves added to Bigelow apple cider tea packs bring anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation has links to many adverse health conditions.

Research finds that cinnamon helps reduce inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. Meanwhile, cloves contain compounds like eugenol that limit inflammatory enzymes.

May Aid Digestion

Anecdotal evidence suggests drinking apple cider tea supports healthy digestion. The cloak and cinnamon ingredients may limit bloating, gas, stomach pain, and nausea symptoms.

However, no human studies have looked specifically at Bigelow apple cider teas effects on digestion. So more research is still needed in this area.

Other Potential Benefits Being Researched

Early studies suggest apple cider tea ingredients like cloves and cinnamon may offer other benefits like:

• Lowering blood sugar levels
• Decreasing heart disease risks
• Increasing cognitive function

But most research has looked at cloves and cinnamon alone, not apple cider tea blends. Additionally, many studies used animal models or concentrated extracts. The amounts of spices in apple cider tea are much lower.

Who Should Drink Bigelows Apple Cider Tea?

Bigelows apple cider black tea is a hugely popular option thanks to its crowd-pleasing taste. Both habitual tea-drinkers and newcomers tend to enjoy it.

The apple cider teas mild flavor profile makes it an excellent introductory tea for those who find pure black tea too intense. Longtime tea lovers appreciate the subtle fruit and spice notes that complement the brisk black tea base.

This tea works well on its own or paired with breakfast foods, desserts, holiday meals, and seasonal snacks. Drizzle a bit of honey over ice-cold apple cider tea for the perfect autumn pick-me-up.

Precautions

Apple cider tea contains normal amounts of caffeine just like regular black tea. Those sensitive to caffeine may want to limit intake later in the day to prevent sleep disruption.

Additionally, apple tea has mild diuretic effects in some individuals. Keep an eye on your hydration status when drinking multiple cups per day.

Where to Buy Bigelow Apple Cider Black Tea

Bigelow Apple Cider Black Tea comes in boxes of 20 or 40 tea bags and is widely available both online and in grocery stores across the United States.

Online Purchase Options

All major online retailers carry Bigelow Apple Cider Black Tea, including:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Instacart
• Boxed

Buying online tends to offer the lowest prices and maximum convenience. However, watch expiration dates if stocking up.

In-Store Availability

Nearly all grocers and supermarkets sell this popular tea flavor. Check the specialty tea section at stores like:

• Kroger
• Safeway
• Publix
• HEB
• Walmart
• Whole Foods

Consider checking smaller health food stores as well. Specialty tea shops also frequently stock Bigelow brand tea.

Try This Delicious and Healthy Tea Today

If you love the flavors of apple cider and black tea, Bigelow Apple Cider Black Tea is the perfect drink for you. It expertly blends sweet apple, fragrant cinnamon, warm cloves, and brisk black tea in each flavorful sip.

Beyond tasting delicious hot or over ice, components of this tea may also promote health. Early research suggests benefits related to inflammation, antioxidants, digestion, and more.

So do yourself a favor and pick up a box of Bigelow apple cider tea on your next grocery run. Once you try a steaming mug full, this cozy classic is sure to become your new go-to cuppa.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.