Tea Type: Guayusa
Brand Name: Runa
Where to buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Description:
We are pleased to introduce our customers to the Ecuadorian herb, Guayusa (why-YOU-sah). For thousands of years communities throughout the Amazon have cultivated the guayusa leaf for a natural, delicious source of energy and nutrition. A truly balanced stimulant, guayusa contains caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids to awaken the mind and fortify the body.
Guayusa contains 50% more antioxidants than green tea. With a combined effect of sustained energy, what the indigenous Kichwa people call “mental strength and courage”, guayusa continues to be the center of morning rituals throughout the Amazon. Guayusa’s unique blend of caffeine, theobromine, and theophyline is what facilitates a whole-body feeling of awareness and presence. Every harvest, local farmers hand-pick guayusa leaves from the rich soil under the canopy of the Amazon rainforest. Available from Runa in pyramid teabags, each great tasting flavor is 100% organic, naturally smooth and balanced. With Runa’s focus on fair trade pricing and Amazon reforestation projects, you can feel good about rejuvenating with these unique herbal tea selections.
Cupping guayusa is a discovery of rich flavor and cultural tradition. Pour boiling water over the pyramid tea bag and steep for 4-7 minutes, or longer for a darker brew. Sip slowly and enjoy as you awaken your mind and fortify your body with Runa.
Tasters Review:
Here at SororiTEA Sisters not only do we like to be trendsetters (doesn’t ANY Sorority?) we also like to follow trends! Guayusa has been getting more and more press lately and eventho we cannot claim we are trendsetters on this tisane we gladly admit we are following the trend and think it’s going to be around for quite some time due to it’s health benefits!
This signature blend combines rich, invigorating Guayusa with full-bodied cinnamon and a sweet aromatic lemongrass, in a traditional Amazonian blend.
Here are my findings on this product available at Mark T. Wendell…
This smells a little herbally but it seems to have a SMIDGE of berry aroma hiding somewhere, too. The spices are very subtle and very light. Once infused I can smell the lemongrass and the spice is just underneath the lemon-aroma. The taste is pretty different tho – there is a cinnamon powder type taste paired with the lemongrass on the tongue and that’s on top of the green bean or fresh pea type taste I have been associating with Guayusa. Not bad. Very different from what I expected…but not bad at all!
Indonesian from Mark T. Wendell
Tea Type: Black Tea
Where To Buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Desription:
An exquisite tea sourced from Indonesia’s Kertasarie Estate, this is a favorite of those who love a strong and stimulating flavor in their cup. Indonesia’s high altitudes, volcanic soil and tropical climate produce a dark and rich tasting tea that is truly unique.
Tasters Review:
I LOVE trying teas from different estates, and, of course, different countries! I LOVE learning about the histories of the estates! When I saw this one from the Indonesia’s Kertasarie Estate I HAD to try it!
The first time I tried this tea my initial thoughts were…a bold brew, slightly malty, and rich. I thought it was ‘good’ for mornings and mid-afternoon lulls. But I have to admit…the more I drank of this wonderful tea the more I liked it…the more I appreciated it. It’s a delicious cup! It’s much more meaningful than I first gave it credit for! Another interesting thing about this tea is it holds up to multiple infusions well – for a black tea. The 2nd infusion seemed to be sweeter and juicier yet still bold and very satisfying!
This could easily be a staple in any black tea lovers tea cabinet!
Mandarin Rooibos from Mark T. Wendell
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Description:
South African Rooibos herbal tea with mandarin orange flavor. It is an exotic twist on your favorite beverage. Easy to make into your favorite iced tea.
Taster’s Review:
On cold, gray days like this one, sunny tasting tisanes like this really make the day a little brighter. This blend really lets the sun shine in!
The fresh, juicy flavor of mandarin oranges really goes well with the natural wood and nut flavor of rooibos. The mandarin essence does not mask the natural flavors of the rooibos, it doesn’t need to! That’s because somehow the natural flavor of the mandarin melds so well with the taste of the rooibos, creating a profile that is smooth, light and delicious.
This is a very refreshing blend. I find this to be most inviting when it is iced, but it is also good hot. It has a natural sweetness to it, so it doesn’t need additional sweetening, but I find it to be very agreeable with a small drizzle of raw honey. I like the way the honey highlights the mandarin flavor.
Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend from Mark T. Wendell
Tea Type: Black Tea
Where To Buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Description:
A blend of select black tea leaves with orange pieces, bits of cranberry, ginger and cinnamon. A winter season favorite that is now available year-round.
Tasters Review:
I know Anne already reviewed this one about 2 weeks ago but I figured since the timing is right – being the holidays and all – and because this exceeded my expectations – I thought I would write about it as well!
Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend from Mark T. Wendell is better than I thought it would be! Sure, it smells just like you assume it would but this is a tasty flavored black tea…juicy cran and the spices are just-right! The draw for me on this one – is that the spices seemed to have been Taylor-made just for me! Okay…maybe not…JUST FOR ME…but the spice is done nicely and not over the top and the cranberry flavors are exceptional!
Cloud & Mist Tea from Mark T. Wendell
Tea Type: Green Tea
Where To Buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Description:
This tea is a unique find, deriving its name from the high altitude growing areas of the Wu Lu Mountains in the Jiangxi province of China. Grown in the gentle mountain clouds and prevalent mist, this tea consists of single bud and leaf sets that unfurl magnificently when brewed. The brewed liquor has a herbaceous aroma, a smooth and sweet taste and appears a modest yellow-green in the cup.
Tasters Review:
I assumed this would be grassier tasting based on the aroma but it has a wonderful Sweet-Buttery-Almond Type Taste to it- with a little grassiness is the middle of the sip – but then ends smoother. Smoother than I expected, too!
This is a good green tea! For those of you who think green teas are grassy or mossy tasting and leave funky-floral aftertastes…give green another try if that is what turns you off on greens! Cloud & Mist from Mark T. Wendell is different and very pleasing!
Plus…Cloud Mist Green Tea is one of China’s top ten teas. Perhaps you’ve seen it by another name from other companies?
They sometimes go by Yun Wu Green Tea, Cloud and Mist Tea, Cloud and Mist Green Tea, Cloud Mist, Yun Wu Lu Cha, Lu Shan Yun Wu Green Tea, Mount Lu Cloud and Mist. Regardless this is a nice, clean cuppa. Very unique and refreshingly-sweet.