Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Fruit/Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Rishi Tea
Product Description:
Luscious currants and delicious forest berries complement this fruity and balanced blend with a wonderful scarlet red infusion that refreshes and rejuvenates.
Taster’s Review:
As I’ve said on several occasions, I’m not a big fan of hibiscus. Generally speaking, it is too tart for my personal taste. But, I know that some people out there love the stuff (otherwise, the tea companies wouldn’t be selling it, right?) so when I decided to give this tisane a try, I did so on the premise that I would be fair and objective about the tisane and try not to let my own personal feelings get in the way.
But you know what? I’m actually enjoying this! I am surprised that I am actually enjoying it.
I steeped it for just five minutes. I find that steeping hibiscus-laden tisanes any longer results in a very thick, syrupy, tart cup. But, five minutes is just long enough to extract flavor and a little bit of body out of the hibiscus without going overboard on the tartness.
And while this IS a tart tisane, it isn’t too tart. I don’t pucker up when I take a sip, but I do feel that sourness hit the back of my tongue – and its ALMOST a pucker. I did add a dollop of honey and I am sure that helped to curb the tartness a bit, but it also did something else too; it added definition to the blueberry, currant and mango flavors.
I love that I can taste the sweetness of the mango, and the thickness from the hibiscus makes the mango flavor almost nectar-like! I can also taste the blueberry peeking through. It’s a very flavorful, fruity cup and it is one that I am sure kids will LOVE (and this is much better for them than soda pop, even with the honey!)
So, it just goes to show you, don’t let the name of a tea affect your decision to try it. If I had done that, I wouldn’t be drinking this tea right now, and I am liking it!
