The ancient horopito tree and its healing properties . 

The Horopito tree comes from an ancient lineage of flowering plants known as the Winteraceae family.   

It is not widespread across New Zealand like some of our other native species. Horopito is located in areas across the country where the climate is more damp and cold. A common place where horopito can be found is around Ruapehu.  Ruapehu is known for its cold and icy climate.

Horopito plays an important role in traditional Māori medicine.  It was used to treat both internal and external health issues.  Māori used horopito leaf to treat toothache, fungal skin problems and stomach complaints.

European settlers also used horopito to treat stomach issues.

The science - Horopito - pseudowintera colorata contains a variety of wellness properties which make it a desirable ingredient in product formulations.  One of its main properties is polygodial.  Polygodial has anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti cancer properties. 

Horopito varieties - There are 4 known species within the horopito family. Some more rare than others.  The colour of the leaves between the species vary from having green leaves to red, yellow, brown, purple and blotchy. 

They vary in their ability to numb the palate and the properties they consist of are dependant on the species also. If you are looking to make something with horopito a good idea is to define what you would like to create and then decide on which horopito species is suitable for the task.

Horopito has a floral flavour that produces an intense numbing and almost stinging effect on the tongue.  The more polygodial the more intensive flavour.  It is a unique experience chewing horopito leaves straight off the tree.

Horopito in our product range

Kawakawa & Horopito flaky salt - This delightful flaky salt is a blend of two of our warm tasting botanicals for garnishing and flavouring food.

The Kawakawa latte contains horopito leaf. This helps to provide the latte with a warming effect that lasts.