With the refridgerated drinks aisle full of stimulants to hype you up to get through the day, its comforting to know there are refreshing beverages that are a little kinder to the body. If you shop somewhere that supports local artisan products, then you may know of AOTEA. Aotea tonics are light and refreshing herbal infusions that have been inspired by traditional Maori herbal recipes. Yes, they use New Zealand native plants that have therapeutic properties and are sustainably sourced from Aotea/Great Barrier Island. However, the purpose of this brand goes deeper than just creating beautiful products. It also embraces and celebrates both people and place, and exudes the characteristics of a great social enterprise.
“WE HAVE A MISSION TO CREATE CHANGE, PROVIDE JOBS AND BUILD A SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY ON OUR HOME – AOTEA (GREAT BARRIER ISLAND). WE HAVE A RANGE OF PRODUCTS THAT ARE STEEPED IN MAORI KNOWLEDGE AND TRADITION OF THE BEAUTIFUL FLORA OF AOTEAROA. EVERYTHING WE DO IS MADE USING 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS, BY HAND, IN NEW ZEALAND.”
My favourite drink for these hot summer days is the kawakawa, peppermint & nettle tonic (as it adds digestion, I may need a couple of bottles for Christmas day!) Aside from the peppery minty flavour, I love that they use no preservatives or processed sugars. Each bottle is sweetened with a touch of manuka honey pulled from their own hives!
So what else do they produce on this relatively isolated island 100km out from downtown Auckland? Well, honey of course!
But this is no generic blend. If you want the amazing anti-microbial properties found in manuka honey then try the small 80g pots of either 125+certified MGO or 300+ certified MGO (Methylglyoxal rating).
Their multi purpose soothing kawakawa balm is based on traditional cures for irritations, abrasions and pains. Kawakawa leaves have a super high anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and analgesic content making it an amazing balm for all sorts. With Almond and Tea Tree Oil, and beeswax from their hives, the Kawakawa Balm is a natural and native skincare remedy perfect for dry lips, skin irritations (like eczema), as well as bites, sores, and nappy rash. They also make a manuka honey day cream and a harakeke seed oil night cream.
Next school holidays we’ve decided to get back to nature and take the family on a quintessential Kiwi camping trip to Great Barrier Island. A great chance to experience the breathtaking landscape and all of the goodness the island has to offer!
NOTE: All photographs are from http://www.aoteamade.co.nz because they are so beautiful.