The Verbena infusion from Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region

VERBENA

Type : Lippia citriodora

Family: Verbenaceae

Specie: aromatic woody plant

 

 

This Verbena presents slightly lemon notes pleasant for tasting. This delicate and fragrant plant became the emblem of the Haute-Loire from its introduction in France at the end of the 18th century. Verbena from this infusion grows on the land of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region.

 

Verbena, native to South America, is distinguished by its naturally lemony flavor. This delicate and fragrant plant became the emblem of the Haute-Loire from its introduction in France at the end of the 18th century. Herboriste du Velay by Pagès inevitably uses it in several of its creations. 

We often talk about the Verbena officinale, it was introduced in France at the end of the 18th century. The Verbena officinale was one of the sacred plants of Gaul. Its name comes from the Celtic "ferfaen" meaning "sacred branch", "magic wand" or "herb for witches and enchantments". Before the sacrifices, it is said that the Druids used Verbena to clean the altars. The bards used it for their part to sing, the plant visibly having beneficial virtues on the voice, and to make crowns of it that they wore on the head on special occasions or when they had committed memorable acts. The ovates used Verbena to chase away evil spirits... We recognized countless virtues in this plant which was very widely used. It is even said that some people used it to coax love filters! Its aromatic and sweet lemon scent was considered attractive and capable of captivating anyone! Verbena is a plant that has been the subject of a beautiful story and many anecdotes. It is not surprising that the inhabitants of Haute-Loire have made it their emblem!

This perennial plant, 40 to 80 cm high, appreciates hot and humid climates. This is why there are many in South America. You should know that it is also developing in Asia, North Africa and Europe. France is one of the happy territories to welcome Verbena on its soil. The latter does not support frost, however, it is very complicated to grow verbena in the north of the country or in the regions a little cooler.

Verbena looks good: its erect branched stem has deeply cut opposite leaves, and small lilac flowers united in long, thread-like spikes. The plant contains tannins, mucilage, iridoids and heterosides.

If we mainly know Verbena for its use in infusion, note that Verbena also finds its place in cooking. Its leaves, fresh or dry, very pleasantly flavor salty or sweet dishes. We also use this beautiful plant in the production of essential oils, cosmetics but also bouquets of flowers! Its beautiful appearance gives it a place of choice in the making of bouquets to which it brings a touch of originality.

 

OUR VERBENA INFUSION FROM AUVERGNE RHÔNE-ALPES

France has so much to offer us. Its remarkable lands allow us to produce exceptional products whose culture respects the plant and the environment. PAGÈS engages in this type of production to offer you a range of healthy products, as close as possible to you! This is the case with our infusion with Verbena d'Auvergne Rhône-Alpes. This plant, essential in infusion, grows on the land of our beautiful region. This region with sunny lands is surrounded by a magnificent and diverse marked relief. This plant that needs sun, well-drained soil and lots of attention has everything it needs on the land of Maryline and Philippe.

 

 

THE GROWERS

The infusion Verbena from Auvergne Rhône-Alpes from PAGÈS was produced and harvested on the land of Maryline and Philippe, a couple living not far from Valence (26). It is at the gates of the Vercors regional natural park that these two farmers cultivate no less than 15 species. With them, it is a real botanical garden, we take full view!

 

The harvest of this tender Verbena was carried out in June, over several days. Each plant is harvested during a specific period, we must not forget that. It is by mechanical harvest that the two farmers proceeded to the operation. Once collected, the plant was placed in a dark place for about 3 days. This is the drying process, it is done on site. Both farmers have their own dryers. Dried between 30°C and 40°C, the verbena of our infusion was then brought to our premises for the production of the herbal tea. We visited them for a day to discover their beautiful farm, their great attachment to this meticulous work and their knowledge of aromatic plants. 

 

THE LANDS

Planted at the foot of the Vercors regional natural park, in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, the Verbena of our infusion grows on ideally sunny land (around 80% of sunshine per year). This territory cultivated by our two farmers is located in the town of Alixan, a few steps from Valence in the Drôme. It is thanks to this clay and well filtering soil that our infusion was able to see the light of day. The significant heat experienced by the Drôme is ideal for the proper cultivation of aromatic plants and plants with essential oils.

Land of excellence, the Drôme is home to more than 50 species of plants cultivated in organic farming. Alixan is a pretty town northeast of Valence. It is somewhat the circular capital of the small villages of the department. If its rich history makes it a very pleasant tourist place, the cultivated land available to the city is also very conducive to the development of infusion plants. Its proximity to the Vercors regional natural park, known for its rich nature and abundant biodiversity, makes this small town all the more interesting and authentic.

 

THE QUALITY

This product is labeled BIOPARTENAIRE. This certification is in line with our fair and committed approach. It allows us to participate in the revitalization and sustainability of the local economy: respect for land and plantations, solidarity and fair remuneration for producers, long-term brand commitments, etc. Pagès is committed to this type of production and offers you a range of healthy and French products, as close as possible to you!