Just like the name says. Even Mariage Freres has only this to say:
“Traditional violet flavoured tea.”
What?! No “tender notes of violet beckon the first precious days of spring. A tea to be savoured while frolicking in a green meadow?” Come on, Mariage Freres. You’re slipping.
That said, the violet is strong over the typically good quality MF black tea base. I also get a note of what seems to be lavender. I suspect natural violet on its own is quite subtle, so it seems a bit of lavender might be used to enhance the floral profile.
MF recommends steeping for 5 minutes (!) but 3-4 seemed plenty to me. It’s good for 2-3 steeps whilst retaining the nice floral notes.
Flavors: Lavender, Violet
Preparation
205 °F / 96 °C
3 min, 45 sec
2 g
5 OZ / 150 ML