Steeping time 4 minutes, 1/2 cup boiling water, 2 g of tea leaves and stems.
I have always been an avid herb gardener (although not, alas, always a successful one) and today I noticed what exactly it is about this type of tea that I found familiar. The leaves are similar in appearance (silvery and fuzzy) and even similar in shape to Lamb’s Ear, and I think the fragrance may be similar as well, although Lamb’s Ear is not actually well-known for its smell. (Plus, I can never manage to keep it alive so I don’t actually have a Lamb’s Ear plant to compare right now). When I looked it up, I discovered that the two plants are in the same family, i.e. the Mint family . . . but then so are hundreds and thousands of other plants, so that doesn’t mean they’re actually closely related. I guess it’s just the type of family resemblance that sometimes shows up unexpectedly between distant cousins.
The other thing that the leaves remind me of is licorice, or at least those licorice-flavored herbal teas that you drink when you’re sick with a cold. (Actually I may be thinking of the combination of licorice and slippery elm flavors? But I’m not positive.) It’s not an unpleasant fragrance, and I can imagine this tea being pleasant to drink.
As I steep the tea, the fragrance emerges more, but not at overpowering levels. The tea liquid itself does not appear to change color greatly, and after steeping appears slightly yellowish but not extremely so. The fragrance hasn’t gotten much stronger in the last couple of minutes.
The first sip is not quite as flavorful as the fragrance, but it does support my impression of this tea as being similar to an herbal tea used to treat colds. It tastes slightly sweet in the back of the mouth. It doesn’t seem all that viscous, but it’s probably giving my throat a nice protective coating as I drink it. It doesn’t need sugar, which is a good thing because if you’re going to drink it every day for your health then you wouldn’t want to add sugar or you’d counteract the health benefits, right? It definitely tastes healthy, but in a good, gentle way, not in a bitter-green-smoothie type of way.
I’m not going to say that I want to replace my regularly scheduled tea breaks with this herbal tea, but since it’s caffeine free I bet it would be a great nightcap. Plus, it does have quite a soothing and calming effect, so add that to its other benefits (such as its health benefits) and it turns out to be quite a valuable beverage!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Klio Greek Tea
Description
This variety, Sideritis Scardica, comes from the legendary Mount Olympus, in the Balkans, situated between Thessaly and Macedonia.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Equalibrium from Urbal Teas. . . . .
Equilibrium from Urbal Teas is what’s next at Sororitea Sisters. It’s a heavily herbal Rooibos Blend of flavors. Urbal Tea says it’s their version of an herbal chai. I’m not sure if I would make that flavor connection right away but what I will say is that the actual flavor of this did blow me away!
It’s made up of Rooibos, Nettle leaf, Rosehip, Raspberry leaf, Licorice root, Anise Seed, Cardamom, Clove, Calendula, Dandelion leaf, Ginkgo, Eleuthero, Oatstraw, Gotu Kola, Cinnamon, Anise Seed and Safflower petals. All of that offers a herbal yet sweet taste. A creamy yet oat-like flavor. A floral yet spicy subtle surprise on the tongue. I have to give credit where credit is due. I think what brings this all together is the gentle use of licorice. I rarely say that because I was turned off by a few licorice flavored teas in the past and I know it isn’t fair to pre-judge others but they aren’t the first flavor I jump for if you know what I mean.
I’m a complex character. And so is this tea. I LOVE Peanut Butter. And I like some Jellies. But I don’t care for Peanut Butter AND Jelly Sandwiches. It’s weird, I know. That’s kind of how I feel about Licorice. I LOVE Licorice. I just don’t usually like Licorice Tea. In THIS specific case I couldn’t imagine this heavily flavored rooibos any other way! The Licorice is done PERFECTLY and really MAKES this tisane!
Every time I have a cup of Urbal Teas offerings I continued to be amazed by their blending ability. I should know by now NOT to ever question or be afraid of it because they are always memorable!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: Urbal Tea
Description
This is our version of an herbal chai blend without the black tea or black pepper. A warming combination of spices and herbs including anise, licorice, raspberry, and nettle to restore internal order and balance in the body. Rosehip makes an excellent tonic for a tired and worn out body. Anise helps rejuvenate the digestive system and soothe your respiratory pathways, while raspberry is known to improve your vitality. Licorice is a powerful herb that eases body tensions and clears the respiratory system. The spice components of clove and cardamom jump start your entire body. There is much historical evidence to suggest that Nettle, a component of the blend, has the ability to settle the body. Likewise, calendula has long been prized by herbalists for its ability to cleanse and detoxify the body, in particular the liver and gallbladder.
Contains: Rooibos, Nettle leaf, Rosehip, Raspberry leaf, Licorice root, Anise Seed, Cardamom, Clove, Calendula, Dandelion leaf, Ginkgo, Eleuthero, Oatstraw, Gotu Kola, Cinnamon, Anise Seed and Safflower petals
Steeping Instructions:
Boiling water
Steep 10 to 30 minutes
The longer the steeping time the stronger the tea
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
