Bissy (Kola Nut) Tea/ How to Make

What is Bissy?

Bissy is a grated to refined form of kola nut. It possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.

 

Origin

Kola nuts have been grown in and freshly harvested (September to December) in humid West African tropical regions such as Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone for centuries. When used in those native regions it is chewed for its antidotal properties as it is a stimulant. As time went on it was dried and exported to parts of America, Europe, and the West Indies.

Kola nuts are similar in size to that of a chestnut. The kola nuts tree, a plant species of Malvaceae family, grows in tropical humid forests reaching a height of sixty feet. It sprouts star-shaped fruits that bear the kola nuts which are encompassed by an edible white shell. The kola nut can vary in color (brown, gray, green, or pinkish-red) and taste (bitter, and/or sweet) which is dependent on the species of tree.

It was introduced into the West Indies such as Jamaica, in the late 16^th century through the slave trade. Kola nuts planted and cultivated species, cola acuminata (bitter kola/ small kola) and cola nitida (big kola) are commonly found in Jamaica. The kola nuts are picked and placed in the sun for up to twenty-four hours to dry. Once dried it is then grated into what resembles clay-like flakes. It can be refined by place into a spice/coffee grinder which will produce a powder form. Add bissy powder to boiling water spice up with milk and your preferred sweetener.

 

Traditional Inclusion

In many African cultures, such as Nigeria it’s given as a gift to the guests in attendance at funerals and weddings as a sign of respect. In ceremonial acceptance of marriage gifting a white kola nut signified “Yes” and a red kola nut would mean “No”. The way to welcome people into the village is to hold a ceremonial kola nut breaking. Kola nuts have been used in exchange for financial dues and payment. They possess a heavy cultural symbolism of good luck, respect, and positive spiritual awakening.

Medicinal Purpose

Exploring this herb from my ancestral land has led to intriguing discoveries. It gives way to a holistic approach that fosters a positive response to various ailments. Below are the upsides of drinking bissy tea:

Food Poisoning (Food Borne Illness): It is used to cure or stop the onset of food poisoning in humans. Foods that are canned such as beef, mackerel, sardines, and other types of seafood can create an unpleasant outcome in the body. Food poisoning may cause cramping in the abdominal/rectum, chills, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Intestinal Aid: It stimulates the intestinal tract’s gastric acid bringing relief from constipation or upset stomach.

Male Impotence: Creates the stimulation of blood flow providing a remedy for male impotence. It contains natural precursor properties such as Phyto androgens (similar to testosterone) that aid in the treatment/ decreased risk of prostate cancer.

Metabolism: It contributes to a significant boost of 118%. There is an increase in energy that creates the ability to burn calories effectively. There’s an increase in the body’s overall circulation due to the stimulation of the central nervous system.

Mental Alertness: Its caffeine, kolatine, and theobromine content provide a mental boost leading to increased awareness and reaction time. The caffeine contained acts as a pain reliever by widening blood vessels. Limit intake if you have a high ingestion rate of caffeine as it can have an adverse effect causing a headache/migraine.

Joint Pain Relief: Suffering from osteoarthritis? The anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce swelling within the joints giving ease to free movement.

Respiratory Relief: The natural properties cause an effect that acts as a bronchodilator. The airway and lung muscles are relaxed aiding in the relief of asthma, allergies, colds, and phlegm flare-ups.

Manufacturing Uses

The kola nut has been used in manufactured carbonated soft drinks as a flavoring agent for drinks such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola in the past. Among other cola products produced in the United States and Europe.

Buy & Store

Kola nut is rarely found in fresh whole form on the outskirts of Africa. The dried whole form can be easily found all year round. For ground or powdered form, you will see “Bissy” on the packaging.

You are more likely to locate and purchase Bissy from most Asian markets or Caribbean markets within the United States. There are tea bags that come in a box or ground form of the product in a clear plastic nonsealable bag. Packaging would be labeled Jamaican products. They can be purchased online through websites … Amazon.com, Ebay.com, Instacart.com, and Walmart.com. Various brands to choose from are …

• Angel Brand Bissy 2.0-ounce each (56 grams)… ground form of 3-pack ($11.56)
• Angel Brand Bissy Tea Bag Caffeine free … 25 tea bags…1 ounce package… ($9.00)
• Caribbean Dreams Bissy Tea … 24 tea bags… 1.69-ounce package…($2.59)
• Caribbean Dreams (Kola Nuts)… 24 tea bags… package of 3…($15.20)
• Tops Jamaican Herbal Tea Bissy Kola Nut…24 tea bags…. 38.4 grams package… ($6.50)

Therefore, bissy (kola nut) is a useful natural ingredient from nature that has benefits for the body. Grown and harvested this ingredient is highly valued among many African cultures through tradition and symbolism. Yet it has become a commodity for people in other parts of the world for its culinary and medicinal purposes. A product that should definitely be kept on hand and stored in your pantry. So many upsides to it aiding in curing food-borne illnesses, intestinal problems, male impotence, boosting metabolism, mental alertness, joint relief, and respiratory relief. On the downside increased intake of caffeinated products can increase heart rate, induce migraine, and overstimulate intestinal tract making it a diuretic. Make sure to let your physician know about any supplements you are taking as it can have an adverse effect when taken with other medications.

 

Note:

For a finer product, add coarse shavings to a coffee/spice grinder. Place the bissy powder in an airtight container. Store in a dry, cool place from direct sunlight.