This week, we had the honor of being on Porto Canal to share the story of Criatura — a Portuguese brand of organic teas and infusions born from the desire to value the plants and fruits of small Portuguese farmers.
It was a special opportunity to show not only who we are, but also the purpose behind each infusion.
How the Criatura project began
The Criatura project was born from a simple idea: to use national plants and fruits, often wasted or "ugly" for fresh sale, to create quality organic teas and infusions. By working directly with small Portuguese farmers, we are able to add value to raw materials that would otherwise be lost, while supporting national agriculture and reducing food waste.
It was this purpose — Portuguese, organic, and transparently sourced products — that we brought to Porto Canal, explaining how a small idea transformed into a recognized brand, already distinguished with awards such as those from Crédito Agrícola and the CERES Award.
Our range of organic teas and infusions
During the program, we presented the Criatura range, which includes:
- Organic infusions of national plants and fruits, designed for different times of the day and different benefits
- Organic cocktail mixes, for those who enjoy exploring Portuguese flavors also in mixology versions
- Flower Tea Boxes and gift packs, ideal for gifting
Each blend is composed of carefully selected national ingredients, always with the commitment to certified organic quality.
The benefits of our infusions
We also talked about the benefits of the organic plants we use, from more calming infusions, such as those that combine linden and lemon verbena, to more digestive or antioxidant-rich options, such as hibiscus. Each plant has its own contribution to well-being, and that is what we aim to highlight in every Criatura blend.
How to prepare the perfect infusion
One of the highlights of our participation in Porto Canal was the live demonstration of how to prepare the perfect tea.
1. Water quality
Good quality water, ideally filtered or low in lime, allows the flavors and aromas of the plants to be released better, without interference from other tastes.
2. The quantity of plant
The correct proportion of plant to water is essential to obtain a balanced infusion — neither too weak nor too strong.
3. Water temperature
This is perhaps the most underestimated factor. Each type of infusion requires a different temperature:
- Black tea: boiling water (100ºC)
- More delicate herbs (like lemon verbena or linden): water slightly below boiling point (around 85-90ºC)
Respecting the correct temperature prevents the infusion from becoming bitter or losing its aroma.
4. Infusion time
Leaving the infusion to steep for the right amount of time, usually between 5 to 8 minutes depending on the plant, ensures that all benefits and flavors are extracted without becoming too strong.
Thank you, Porto Canal
It was a pleasure to share the story of Criatura with Porto Canal and show that it is possible to create a successful Portuguese brand from simple, organic, and transparently sourced ingredients. If you haven't tried our infusions yet, now is the ideal time to discover our range.