Little Red Cup Tea Company Camellia Flowers
Country of Origin: China Leaf Appearance: pale blossoms, somewhat broken Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis flowers Steep time: 3 minutes Water Temperature: 195 degrees Preparation Method: infuser basket and ceramic teacup Liquor: pale gold Over the last few years I’ve pretty much stopped reviewing herbal teas. They simply don’t capture my interest very much. This one is a bit of an exception because it is made solely from the flowers of the tea plant (Camellia Sinensis). In many parts of the world, India in particular comes to mind, the flowers are removed and discarded because they are thought to divert nutrients away from the leaves. I’ve only had them one other time, blended with a…
How to Make Sakura Blossom Tea
Sakura blossom tea is my favorite spring treat. It is used as a popular flavoring in Japan. Here's a little guide on how to brew them.
Teapigs Lemon & Ginger
Country of Origin: Thailand Leaf Appearance: light green, lots of visible ginger and liquorice pieces Ingredients: ginger, lemongrass, lemon peel, liquorice root Steep time: 3 minutes Water Temperature: 212 degrees Preparation Method: ceramic teacup Liquor: gold I received a packet of this tea at the Fancy Food Show when I chatted with one of the co-owners of Teapigs. This herbal infusion was lemony and sweet with a mild kick. The ginger gave it a warming affect that was very comforting. I’m generally not a fan of a liquorice root but its sweetness cut the bitterness of the ginger so it worked well here. A touch of agave or honey might be nice but adding…
Octavia Tea Chocolate Mint
Photo: The Octavia Tea Company Country of Origin: not listed Leaf Appearance: reddish brown, needle-like, lots of apple pieces Ingredients: rooibos, dried apple pieces, vanilla chips, chocolate, organic peppermint, natural vanilla flavor Steep time: 5 minutes Water Temperature: 212 degrees Preparation Method: ceramic teacup and mesh infuser Liquor: reddish brown I was expecting something in the realm of an Andes chocolate but the taste of this tea was rather understated. It was earthy, creamy and sweet with just a hint of chocolate. The mint came through as a cooling aftertaste. Too much mint can come off as medicinal so I was glad that they did not overdo it with the peppermint. Although they…
Teapigs Peppermint Tea
Photo: Teapigs Country of Origin: Bulgaria Leaf Appearance: small, dark green Ingredients: peppermint leaves Steep time: 3 minutes Water Temperature: 212 degrees Preparation Method: porecelain teacup Liquor: amber It’s rare that I drink herbal teas but I’m a sucker for peppermint and sometimes I am in need of a late night sip before bed. The taste of this particular selection from +teapigs was incredibly clean and pure. It was vegetal and wonderfully minty without being bitter or medicinal. Each sip was a like a breath of fresh air with a cooling, sweet aftertaste. I was impressed with quantity of leaves in the tea temple. It was practically bursting at the seams after steeping. This would…
Pukka Three Tulsi
Photo: Pukka Country of Origin: not listed bud presumably India Leaf Appearance: very small, dark Ingredients: Rama green tulsi leaf, krishna purple tulsi leaf, vana lemon tulsi leaf Steep time: 5 minutes Water Temperature: 212 degrees Preparation Method: ceramic teacup Liquor: dark brown You might remember that I had previously reviewed and enjoyed Pukka’s Lemongrass & Ginger. While some might consider me a tea snob, herbal teas do have their place and Tulsi, otherwise known as holy basil, is one my favorites. The taste of this one was earthy, sweet and herbaceous with no astringency. The finish had a pleasant zestiness to it. I believe that I’ve only ever tried krishna purple tulsi before…
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