Almond Papaya/Dollar Tea Club -Just Tea-Zen

Photo Credit: Dollar Tea Club

This tea smells so delicious when you open the package! Even though I associate papaya with summer weather and tropical vibes, this tea has such a warm aroma. It’s totally acceptable as a Fall tea!

This tea reminds me of trail mix. The aroma and flavor have that nutty-fruity flavor combo that you find in a good quality trail mix with the big chunks of dried fruit. I do love a good trail mix!

Not every flavor blends will with rooibos, but this one is perfectly balanced. Rooibos has a mild sweetness and a slight nutty flavor with just a hint of vanilla; all perfect flavors to blend with almond and papaya.

If you haven’t checked out Dollar Tea Club, give them a try. It’s a convenient and inexpensive way to explore the world of tea and try new tea types and flavors. Watch for upcoming reviews on a couple of their other blends!


Want to Know More About This Tea?

Leaf Type:  Herbal

Where to Buy:  Dollar Tea Club

Description

Almond Papaya, What a tea! Premium Moroccan almonds give the German inspired marzipan a magnificent boost. Rooibos and marzipan were meant for each other.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Chaga Mushroom Tea/Life of Genki -Just Tea-Zen

Photo Credit: Life of Genki

That’s right, mushrooms…in your tea cup. Don’t get excited; it’s not THAT kind of mushroom, LOL!

I’ve actually tried chaga tea before, but it was in a blend with cacao and it was very bitter. So, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I was brewing this tea. I was fully expecting earthy, bitter,….dirt.

I brewed and steeped exactly as the directions recommended. Twenty minute steep! It’s dark and there’s just a hint of earthy essence.

Ready? IT’S SO GOOD! I took a couple sips before I added anything. At first, it reminded me of a very mild coffee. Great flavor, but I’m not in love with plain, black coffee. The package suggests honey or maple syrup so, about a half teaspoon of my favorite honey and…something magical happened: now it tastes like tea! Just a standard, good old fashioned, black tea. I could still smell just the slightest hint of coffee and there was a very mild earthiness. Not bitter, not bold, just a very nice cup of tea; smooth and delicious. I can’t wait to brew another cup!

If you’ve never heard of chaga, do some research on these magic mushrooms. The list of health benefits is pretty impressive and the vitamin and mineral content puts these mushrooms high on the superfoods list. They are believed to lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, and even fight cancer! I’m not doctor so, always check with your own physician before trying alternatives.


Want to Know More About This Tea?

Leaf Type: Herbal

Where to Buy:  Life of Genki 

DescriptionLearn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Glazed Lemon Loaf/Tazo -Just Tea-Zen-

This is everything you want in a dessert tea. And, Glazed Lemon Loaf is the perfect name for it…that’s EXACTLY what it tastes like. The aroma is both sweet and buttery, almost a buttered popcorn aroma when you first open it. Who doesn’t love butter?!?! That first sip has you hooked; it’s just a hint of lemony goodness with creamy sweet vanilla that is reminiscent of a fresh lemon pound cake. This is one of those teas that is so good, you could devour a full box within a few days; but on the other hand, you want to drink slowly and enjoy for fear of running out. It’s a double edged sword. It’s just that good!

This is a great choice if you’re watching your weight (which I always am) and need a sweet treat. You can literally have our cake and DRINK it too! I highly recommend using a little bit of you favorite sweetener for this tea; I found that it really enhanced everything about it and made it truly taste like dessert. I steeped one bag in boiling water for 5 minutes, just as the package directed and it came out perfect. I used just a small amount of agave syrup to sweeten. The best part? If caffeine keeps you up, you’re in luck; this tea is caffeine free! Completely guilt free indulgence!


Want to Know More About This Tea?

Leaf Type:  Herbal

Where to Buy: Tazo

Description

Craving a glazed lemon loaf? Heat your oven to 350 degrees, grease a pan, mix in eggs, sugar, yogurt, and whisk vigorously. Stir in lemon zest, vanilla, and flour. Bake for 50 minutes. Or just brew this tea in your favorite cup. We’re a fan of both approaches.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Mediterranean Blend Sumac Tea/Staghorn Tea Company -Just Tea-Zen-

I remember when I was younger, visiting New Jersey, the giant sumac trees with the beautiful dark red clusters were all over the place where my family lives. I was terrified of them because my cousins had me convinced that they were poison sumac. It was years later that I found out that they are two completely different trees. It’s a good thing…because I’m about to drink some sumac!

Staghorn Tea Company plucks those beautiful bundles from the sumac tree and blends them into a very interesting and delicious tea. They say “It’s remarkably tangy and wicked good!” and that is completely true! The tartness reminds me a little of hibiscus blended with a citrusy flavor. There’s something else in the flavor that I can’t quite associate with anything, but I can tell you it is amazingly delicious. This particular blend had orange and lavender which gave it a smooth and relaxing flavor. It is quite tangy, which is great just the way it is, but when I sweetened just a little with some agave syrup, OH MY! This REALLY enhanced the flavor! It’s like no other tea I’ve experienced before and if you haven’t tried it, you are definitely missing out.

Their tea bags have enough in them for a 12oz cup which, is a healthy sized cup of tea. I sipped a little less than half and then I put the rest in the refrigerator…I just have to try this over ice!

Health fact: sumac is at the top of the herb list for antioxidant power. BONUS!

I wish I could come up with a better explanation on the flavor of this tea. I guess you’re gonna have to find out for yourself! It’s just SO amazing!

Pop on over to their website and learn about this tea. Order plenty of sumac tea because once you try it, you’re gonna be hooked!


Want to Know More About This Tea?

Leaf Type: Herbal

Where to Buy:  Staghorn Tea Company

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Rose Lemonade/Taylors of Harrogate -Just Tea-Zen-

I love when I find a bold, caffeine free herbal! This is another one of those teas that I have to remember to sip instead of guzzle. If I had to describe it in one word, I’d have to say it is “LUSCIOUS”.

I am one who normally shies away from floral blends because they’re just not my thing. I’ve had some rose blends that were just too heavy on the rose. I love roses…I love the way they look and smell; I have just never found a rose tea blend that I love. Well friends, that just changed!

I have to admit, I was skeptical. When I opened my little sachet, I could very distinctly smell roses. Again, I love the smell of roses and that aroma is coming through as my cup is steeping.

I take my first sip with an open mind and I am beside myself! It’s not just delicious…it’s astonishing (well, it is for me since I wasn’t expecting to love it). It’s bright, it’s cheery, it’s smooth, and like I said…it’s just luscious.

The rose aroma and flavor is very noticeable but the lemon peel and lemongrass “cuts” it just enough so that the rose is not overpowering. It’s a simple but bold blend of rose and citrus. I sweetened my cup with a little agave. I’m finding that I get better flavor notes on herbals by adding a tiny bit of sweetness.

I wasn’t looking for a favorite floral, but I definitely found one. Lucky for me, I have extras; this one will be next up to try iced and I can’t wait!

 


Want to Know More About This Tea?

Leaf Type:  Herbal

Where to Buy: Taylors of Harrogate

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!