Eat Like a Local: Virgin Islands Bush Tea

Start your day off on the right foot with a hot cup of Virgin Islands Bush Tea. VI Bush Tea is the preferred morning drink of the Virgin Islands as an alternative to coffee. Where most people drink coffee with their breakfast, Crucians and Virgin Islanders drink bush tea.

What is Virgin Islands Bush Tea?

Exactly what kind of bush is in this Virgin Islands Bush Tea? The main ingredient of any VI Bush Tea blend starts with lemongrass aka fever grass. A plant in the grass family, lemongrass has over 100 species often used in foods and medicine. The other ingredients in bush tea include, but not limited to:

• Basil
• Mint
• Bay Leaves
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Soursop Leaves

Your blend, your way – anything goes! Growing up, this is what we were given for whatever sickness we had. This unique combination helps boost your immune system, helps with digestion, fights colds and flu thanks to Vitamin C and other minerals, has antibacterial, antifungal properties, and is anti-inflammatory. Whether it was a cold, flu, stomachache, twisted ankle, open wound or broken heart – drink bush tea to feel better!

How Do You Prepare Virgin Islands Bush Tea?

First things first, you have to get the “bush!” When I say “bush,” I really mean whatever you decide to grab from your backyard that morning, which typically consists of a medley of lemongrass, mint, basil & any other addition you may choose. “Cruzan Foodie, I do NOT have a backyard with the ingredients for VI Bush Tea!” Not to worry – you can purchase dried lemongrass, fresh mint and basil from your nearby grocery store and prepare your own blend of tea at home. Put a few leaves of each in a mug and pour hot water over the blend. Let it steep for 8-10 minutes and voilá – bush tea magic! You can also pour it over ice and add a touch of sweetener for an iced version to keep you cool. If all of that sounds like too much of a hassle, check out the next section for a little insider tip 😉

SEE ALSO: HOW TO START YOUR MORNING IN THE USVI

Can I Purchase Virgin Islands Bush Tea?

You sure can! A little back story first… Remember that global pandemmy we had a few years back? This virus made people think of a certain type of beer except it was NOT beer and it wreaked havoc on our lives! Because of this, the Cruzan Foodie Goodie Box was created. Recipients would receive a taste of St. Croix delivered to their mailboxes, filling the void until travel to the Virgin Islands resumed due to you-know-what. Long story short, a bag of VI bush tea was included in that box thanks to Island Thyme Tea. Lemongrass, basil, mint and bay leaves were harvested on St. Croix and dehydrated to create the perfect blend of tea. People started to think their granny or tanty personally made them a cup of tea using ingredients straight from the backyard! It’s THAT good!

Want Some Virgin Islands Bush Tea ASAP?

A little birdie told me that Island Thyme Tea is offering this combo in honor of Virgin Islands History Month. They’re even adding a fruit tart to each order because the spirit of Queen Mary told them to do it to make their purchase even sweeter! Simply mention which tart flavor you’d like in the order notes (guava, coconut or pineapple) and you’ll receive your bonus treat with your package! In the meantime, follow Cruzan Foodie on Facebook & Instagram to get notified when Island Thyme Tea restocks their Bush & Brew Blend for regular orders.

Have you enjoyed a cup or two of VI Bush Tea before? Tell me your favorite bush tea memory in the comments and be sure to share this post on your social media channels!

Until Next Time,

Q the Cruzan Foodie