Red Rooibos and Lemon Grass

I have seen similar attempts from other tea companies, but sometimes you just can't mess with the goodness of simplicity.  Lemon Grass has been a long-time favorite of mine since childhood.  Tangy, yet smooth in nature, it boosts the natural sweetness of the red bush tea.  A simple and excellent blend to try.  Add honey if desired and brew using typical herbal blend temperature.

• 1/2 tsp Rooibos Superior Grade Organic (SpecialTeas #950)
• 1/2 tsp Lemon Grass, Course Cut (Upton Teas #BH65)

Steeping Suggestions

Leaf Quantity: 1 tsp of mix/ 8 oz. cup

Water Temp: 212º (boiling)

Steep Time: 10 min.

Lemon Grass, Coarse Cut

Upon first opening this package, I noticed that dried grass blades smelled very sweet and fresh.  I've been on the hunt for a strong lemon grass brew for years now, since growing the plant in New England is much harder than when I lived in South Florida.  My mother really enjoyed this brew as a Christmas present, since it reminded her of freshly brewed tea using the live plant.  I was very impressed with the natural honey notes in this herbal blend. Upton Tea describes this infusion well, "This Golden-yellow liquor with brisk lemon flavor and aroma. A caffeine-free beverage."

BH65: Lemon Grass, Coarse Cut

Origin: Thailand

Steeping Suggestions
Leaf Quantity: 2¼ g/cup

Water Temp: 212° (boiling)

Steep Time: 8 min.

Egyptian Chamomile

I was impressed by the flower quality and strength of the cup. Not the typical chamomile dust you find in teabags!  Upton describes this blend as, "Whole dried flowers, with a high concentration of flavor oils. Yields a rich, deep-yellow cup. A caffeine-free beverage."  Take this at bedtime for a calm, restful sleep.

 BH50: Egyptian Chamomile

Origin: Egypt

Steeping Suggestions

Leaf Quantity: 1 g/cup

Water Temp: 212° (boiling)

Steep Time: 8 min.

White Lavender

I substituted Chamomile for Elderflower in my White Lavender blend and the result is an incredible cup!  I might fall asleep while typing this because this tea is so relaxing.  Recap of the new recipe is below:

• 1.5 tsp White Peony
• 1/2 tsp Lavender
• 1/2 tsp Chamomile

Steep for 5 mins @ 180 degrees F

Review: Making a Good Thing Even Better!

Floral White

I found myself looking for a way to make plain white tea more exciting because let's face it, White Peony on its own is quite bland.  I originally thought of adding dried peaches to the mix or even blueberries, but that will have to be another day.  I managed to come across some bulk lavender at the store and thought this would be worth a try.  If you are like me, I usually start my day off with a powerful black tea blend and then coast through the rest of the day on lighter greens and whites.  This combo makes a nice post-dinner tea.

• 1.5 tsp China White Peony 'Pai Mu Tan' (SpecialTeas #557)
• 1/4 tsp Lavender (Frontier)
• 1/4 tsp Elderflower (Frontier)

Steep for 3 mins @ 180 degrees F

Review: The delicate floral notes of this 'Pai Mu Tan' are enhanced by the addition of Lavender and Elderflower.  To be enjoyed without sugar or honey for experiencing this blend's nuances.

Moroccan Mint

There is something about the combination of a smoky green and mint that wakes me up from any slump.  After stealing several cups worth of peppermint from my neighbor, I finally broke down an ordered a 100g tin from Upton Teas (suggested to me by my partner in crime).  I must say, I am pleased with the herb.  It is more powerful than any other mint blend I have had at the school dining hall.

• 3/4 tsp China Gunpowder Green Organic (Special Teas #520)
• 1/2 tsp Domestic Peppermint (Upton Teas #389A)
• 1/2 tsp Spearmint (Frontier)

Steep 3 mins @ 180 degrees F

Review: A Moroccan mint that will knock your socks off.  The smoky gunpowder taste is noticeable with the first sip, followed with cooling mint tones that linger.  No need for sugar here.

Sweet Dreams

Okay, so after my very successful trip to Morning Glory I was a little excited to start mixing things.  I've been on the lookout for a new bed-time brew and plain old Chamomile just isn't doing it for me anymore.  I went for the tried and true sleep/relaxation aides.  We will see what happens from there!

• 1/4 tsp Elderflower (Frontier)
• 1/4 tsp Lavender (Frontier)
• 1/2 tsp Chamomile (Frontier)
• 1/2 tsp Raspberry Leaves (Frontier)

Steep 10 min @ 212 degrees F

Review: After adding a touch of honey to this herbal infusion, the flavors balanced out wonderfully.  The Raspberry Leaves are the first taste to hit the pallet, followed by the sweet and calming flavors of the Lavender.  The Chamomile and Elderflower add their own sweetness to the brew, making this the perfect blend to drink before bedtime.  Elderflower is known for its ability to maintain a healthy immune system as well, so drink up!