Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Tulsi
Where to Buy: The Tao of Tea
Tisane Description:
Flavor Profile:Very fragrant, notes of kafir limes, orange, mint and cloves.
Ingredients:100% Organic Wild Forest (Vana) Tulsi leaves and stems.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
I often find myself at a loss on how to describe an “unflavored” tea or herb, because, even though the natural flavor of the product has not been altered by flavoring, it is often quite flavorful on its own and therefore I don’t feel the word “unflavored” applies.
Unadulterated? Unaltered? Untainted? These words seem to intimate that the act of flavoring tea is somehow wrong, and I don’t agree with that sentiment, as I enjoy many types of tea, both flavored and “unflavored.”
Unmixed? This almost seems like the reverse sentiment … like tea and herbs should be blended, flavored or mixed, and I don’t agree with that either.
How about Plain? This seems to imply that the tea or herb is boring. Plain. Dull. And I don’t agree with that either.
So, after what has seemed a long “inner debate” with myself, I think I may have finally settled upon the word PURE to describe an unflavored tea or herb.
And, I think that the word pure is the perfect word to describe this Wild Forest Tulsi from The Tao of Tea. The aroma of the dry leaf is quite herbaceous, reminiscent of the fragrance of the air one might experience while taking a hike in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. (We have a lot of mint growing wild up here!) Once brewed, the tea becomes extraordinarily fragrant. I noticed a medicinal quality to the aroma as I poured it, reminding me a bit of vapor rub.
And to tell you the truth, that isn’t exactly what I would consider to be a mouth-watering scent. But, I still managed to get myself to take a sip … and I found myself taking another, and then another. At first, it seemed to be more curiosity than anything else, but, by the time I made my way to mid-cup, I found myself really enjoying what I was drinking.
The flavor is incredibly complex for an herb: I taste hints of mint and a warm, spicy note to it (not “spicy hot” really, but more of an exotic spicy note) as well as notes of citrus. It has a very satisfying savoriness to it; it is very calming and relaxing to sip.
A lovely, pure herb. I love how it offers a sense of tranquility to me as I wind down this evening.
LiberTEAS Tomato, Basil & Black Pepper from 52Teas
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Product Description:
When our good friend, LiberTEAs asked us to create this blend, I have to admit that I tabled the idea for a few days, thinking she would forget about it. We’ve created some unusual blends, but tomato, basil and black pepper? Really?
Well, she didn’t forget about it and though it took me a while, here we are.
We’ve blended our premium Indian black teas with just a tiny touch of lapsang souchoung, sun-dried tomatoes, black peppercorns, basil and natural flavors.
Taster’s Review:
How cool is this? Frank (the Chief Zoomdweebie at 52Teas) created this blend for me. And, as weird as the combination may sound to you, it actually tastes amazing.
When I originally requested this blend, I requested it as a green tea. My thought was “tomato salad in a teacup” – but then, when Frank contacted me, he suggested making it a black tea and adding just a touch of Lapsang Souchong (which is NOT a favorite tea of mine) to the blend for a smoky note. My first reaction was “eww, no” because that is my reaction when it comes to Lapsang Souchong. But, after thinking about it for a few minutes, I thought that as long as the Lapsang Souchong was added at just the right amount, the smoky note would be very complimentary to the flavors of tomato, basil and black pepper. So, I decided that the black tea would be a better choice… and now I have the most delicious “tomato soup in a teacup.”
The black tea base does not overwhelm here. One taster of this tea stated that the Lapsang Souchong overpowers the flavors of black pepper and basil, but, I don’t think this is true. I steeped my cup for just 2 1/2 minutes, added a pinch of sea salt (because you’ve gotta salt your tomatoes!) and the flavors are all represented well in the taste. And I must admit that the Lapsang Souchong does add a pleasing smoky note to the cup.
But you’re probably still thinking to yourself … what on earth possessed this person to request a tomato flavored tea? Am I right? Well, tomato is my favorite fruit. Yes, I know that it is used more like a vegetable than a fruit, but it is still – technically – a fruit. And I love tomatoes. Especially those just picked, sun-ripened, grown in the backyard tomatoes. YUM!
The tomato here is the strongest flavor. It doesn’t taste quite like the aforementioned fresh tomato, instead, it tastes like a cross between a fire-roasted tomato and a sun-dried tomato. But that’s OK, because I happen to love them too. And the flavor is so vibrant! The basil is quite a bit softer, but it lends a fresh note to the cup, and the pepper adds a kick of spice.
Together these flavors make up a delicious tea that, when paired with some crackers, make for a light and yummy lunch! THIS is the way tomato soup should taste!
Cooling Mint Tulsi Blend from Tao of Tea
Tea Type: Herbal
Where To Buy: Tao Of Tea
Product Description:
Introduction: A blend of green leaf Tulsi and spearmint. The flavor is cooling with lingering aftertaste. The spearmint helps balance the sharpness of Tulsi and the brew can be enjoyed either hot or iced.
Ingredients: 100% Organic Green Leaf Tulsi, 100% Organic Spearmint
Certified Organic by: Quality Assurance International (QAI)
Tasters Review:
Cooling Mint Tulsi Blend from Tao of Tea really surprised me! Here’s why…
My sip started off a little gentle and mild and gained momentum as the sip continued!
It was more herbally at first but then grew into a wonderful mint experience. It was creamy but minty-fresh! I could taste the basil-likeness of the Tulsi and it was quite good. It left a refreshing aftertaste!
This is a great Tulsi Tisane! Or should I say HOLY LEAF Tisane? I think Holy Leaf makes it sound more important! In short, it’s basically a sweet basil…in case you aren’t familiar with Tulsi or Holy Leaf.
Tulsi has…
Potential Health Benefits including:
- Strengthens the immune system, promotes longevity and enhances well-being.
- Promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Reduces the negative physical and psychological effects of stress.
- Increases the body’s efficiency in using oxygen, which improves stamina, strength and endurance.
- Promotes respiratory health.
- Helps with digestion and gastrointestinal problems.
- Neutralizes dangerous biochemicals that contribute to cancer, degenerative diseases and premature aging.
- Facilitates healthy liver function.
- Reduces cell and tissue damage from sun rays, radiation therapy and other radiation sources.
- Relieves inflammation from arthritis and other diseases.
- Helps fight infections.
If you haven’t tried Tulsi Tea or Holy Leaf Tea or Tisane’s before – give them a whirl! This is a very good one to try! I like it best paired with the minty-freshness and this tisane offers that and more!
Summer Sunrise Tea from Joy’s Teaspoon
Tea Type: Black Tea
Where To Buy: Joy’s Teaspoon
Product Description:
Like a refreshing dessert with a touch of something special – a very trendy finale to the perfect dinner. An elegant decoration of fine marigold blossoms simply adds to the beautiful image of this blend.
Ingredients: tea, basil, lemon granules, flavoring, marigold blossoms
Serving Amount: 1 teaspoon/6 oz. serving
Temperature: 176-194 degrees
Steep Time: 2-3 minutes
Tasters Review:
I want to start this post off by saying I HATE WINTER. Unfortunately for me…I live in the snow belt. Sigh. Yes, I know…it’s ONLY the beginning of December but I am ALREADY sick of winter! I don’t like being cold and I hate snow!
So, when I received this SUMMER SUNRISE Flavored Black Tea from Joy’s Teaspoon – I was HAPPY for more than one reason!
I was also excited because I found out that Joy’s Teaspoon is from Las Vegas! I LOVE VEGAS! I have been there 3 times so far! PLUS last year The World Tea Expo was in Vegas. I heard for 2011 the World Tea Expo will be held in Las Vegas yet again! I haven’t been to the World Tea Expo but I would LOVE to go someday! In the meantime…I will enjoy one of Las Vegas’s Tea Companies here in my home!
Anyhow…on to this specific tea from Joy’s Teaspoon…
I guess I can make the connection with the name of this because it DOES remind me of a Summer field or meadow! The pretty aroma and feeling it gives you right off the bat!
The taste is of black tea, basil, and a hint of lemony goodness…but only a hint. So if you are afraid of lemon – you might like this because it is subtle. If you are worried about the Basil – don’t be! It adds to the over all cup but isn’t over powering.
This is nice…if you get the chance…try it!