Persian Apothecary is the innovative, independent loose tea brand telling stories through its unique blends. A tea collection inspired by the richness and complexity of Iran.
A personal touch runs through this British-Iranian, female-founded brand, with each exquisite tea blend designed to challenge stereotypes and champion Iranian creativity and culture.
Offering contemporary interpretations of the flavours and scents of traditional Iranian tea recipes, Persian Apothecary is the ultimate go-to for rich, enticing and opulent tea blends with soul.
With bold packaging featuring modern images by award-winning Iranian photographer, Tahmineh Monzavi, it’s a tea brand like no other.
Available in Selfridges stores nationwide and online, Persian Apothecary sources the finest ingredients from all over the world to create premium tea blends to transform your everyday. Any tea-lover will be delighted to find a gift from Persian Apothecary under the tree this Christmas.
The Persian Apothecary Gift Guide
A Taste of Cherry, £32
Inspired by the rich complexity of Iranian cinema, A Taste of Cherry is a darkly intense, cherry-flavoured black tea which feels indulgently grown up. This caffeinated loose tea includes a powerful blend of Sri Lankan and Chinese Mao Feng Black Tea, along with Hibiscus and Cranberry, for a refined brew.
Driving in Tehran, from £15
A one-of-a-kind tea blend with a rebellious streak. Evoking memories of driving through the smoke-filled, oud-fragranced streets of Tehran, this boundary-pushing tea has an enveloping smoky scent with notes of Peppermint and an unexpected hint of Lavender.
Persian Breakfast, from £20
This traditional brew takes its inspiration from the bustling main square in the ancient city of Isfahan and the indulgent food stalls found on every corner. Richly layered, this tea captures the sweetness of Saffron and Rosewater Halva through its warming, aromatic blend.
Reading Hafez in Shiraz, from £20
Channelling the heady, mystic air of the Iranian city of Shiraz, this caffeine-free herbal infusion cocoons you with a velvety fragrance of Orange Blossom and Jasmine. Combining Apple, Rosehip, Orange Peel and Saffron, this invigorating blend is the perfect all-natural pick-me-up.
Rosewater House, from £16
Crafted in England, this loose green tea blend is inspired by the founder’s grandmother and the expertly brewed teas she’d make using flowers and spices from her Tehran garden. The gossamer blend of rose, jasmine and green tea creates a delicately, feminine brew with heart.
The Air by The Caspian, from £15
This fresh, mint-infused brew, crafted with Peppermint, Spearmint, Ginger and Fennel, is a bright, clean blend to add a sense of clarity to your day. Celebrating the rich plant life that borders the famous coastline, The Air by The Caspian is a deliciously vibrant, mood-booster of a tea.
The Shah’s Earl Grey, £42
Designed as an ode to Iranians in England, balancing twin identities and palates, this East meets West blend is a luxurious and aromatic choice for tea aficionados. Bringing the delicate flavour of Saffron and zesty hints of Lime to the iconic English Earl Grey blend, this decadent infusion has a distinct identity all of its own.
About the Founder
Founded by Sheyda Monshizadeh-Azar, a British-Iranian woman, all too familiar with the stereotypes and cliches that most people associate with Iran.
Sheya was drawn to tea and started Persian Apothecary to start a conversation. Where people talk about Iran in a different way. In parallel, she wanted to challenge the way we think about tea and the implicit colonialism which is still at the fore of the big tea houses.
“Persian Apothecary is a reflection of her life. The teas I created are a means for me to preserve and share my heritage and the memories I have of Iran, the place of my birth. Persian and Iranian mean similar things, but the word Persian resonated with me – it is loaded with undercurrents of the past, of a romanticised place and a moment in time that no longer exists”.
The teas are made in England using the finest ingredients from across the world, but they are inspired by the ancient tea traditions and recipes passed down to Sheya by her mother Nazy. Persian Apothecary is a contemporary interpretation of those flavours and scents.
“It is incredibly meaningful for me to be able to share these blends, an invitation to learn about the startling beauty of the world’s most misunderstood country”.
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