Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Tulsi

Where to Buy:  Davidson’s Organics

Tisane Description:

Davidson`s Signature Blend blends three varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama and Vana) with Peppermint (mild stimulating properties, aids digestion & calms an upset stomach)*, Pepper (mild stimulant & digestive aid)*, Ginger (helps with motion sickness & nausea)* and Cinnamon (recommended for balancing blood sugar levels).

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

Nice!

I love the combination of flavors here … a quick glance of the ingredients, and one might think of this as a chai-like tisane, but, it really isn’t.  The flavors of pepper, ginger and cinnamon are very calm – not at all spicy.

Everything in this blend is nicely balanced.  It has a minty overtone, but the peppermint (as well as the natural minty notes of the tulsi) does not overpower the cup.  Peppermint can sometimes be an aggressive herb, but here, it seems to even out the also sometimes aggressive flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and pepper.  Everything seems to work together to create a gentle, even flavor that is actually quite soothing.

I love that I taste everything here but it is all in a smooth and calm way.  Bravo to Davidson’s Organics for creating a Signature Blend that allows the beauty of tulsi to come through.

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.

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Tulsi & Rooibos

Where to Buy:  Fusion Tea Room

Tisane Description:

A wonderful soothing cup to end a stressful day. The tulsi base calms the stress and has many health benefits that the traditional black tea version does not have. Naturally caffeine free this is especially beneficial as an evening drink.

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

Normally, I wouldn’t consider a spiced tea to be a “soothing” cup with which to de-stress.  But, this truly is a wonderful and soothing cup, just as the description suggests.

The flavors are very calm and gentle.  Even the spice notes have their own sense of calmness to them.  This is the kind of tisane you want to curl up to on a chilly autumn or winter evening … and it would be especially nice to have on hand when one is feeling under the weather as I am finding it to be quite soothing to my throat.  I’m not sick, but I am experiencing my allergies which begin in the late winter/early spring, and they begin with an itchy throat – and I’m finding this to have comforting effect.

Typically, with these orange spice teas/tisanes, they are very heavy on the cinnamon.  So, I was surprised (pleasantly so) when the cinnamon was more subtle here, allowing the flavors of the other spices to come through.  That is not to say that the cinnamon is not well-pronounced because it is; it just is not the main event.  It doesn’t overpower the rest of the spices. Instead, it offers a pleasing warmth that is neither too spicy nor too bland.  I like that I can taste each of these spices, as well as a hint of mint from the Tulsi.

The rooibos has a warm, nutty flavor to it.  Lightly fruity, it accents the flavor of the orange very nicely.  The orange is sweet yet tangy, and I can taste an ever-so-slight apple-y note here as well which serves as more of a sweetness in the distance than anything else.

Overall, this tisane has a mild, delicious flavor that kids as well as adults can enjoy.  This is one that I do recommend keeping on hand for when the family has the sniffles – it will bring soothing relief to the aching throats … and it’s much tastier than a cough drop!

Tisane Information:

Leaf Type:  Tulsi

Where to Buy:  Davidson’s Organics

Tisane Description:

Davidson’s Pure Leaves blends three varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama and Vana) to create the perfect balance of buttery and minty flavors.

Ingredients (* organic): Rama tulsi*, Krishna tulsi* and Vana tulsi*.

Learn more about this tisane here.

Taster’s Review:

I’m sure I’ve probably proclaimed this at least once before, but, I’m going to say it again anyway:  the more I try Tulsi, the more I like it.  It has a such a delightful flavor that is slightly minty and a little spicy and I like the way these two qualities mingle with one another.

This Tulsi “Pure Leaves” from Davidson’s Organics is composed of three different varieties of Tulsi (also called “Holy Basil”), and having previously tried the Rama Tulsi on its own, I think I do prefer this combination.  The blend of three has a bit more complexity.

The flavor is savory and sweet, with the scale tipping more toward the savory than the sweet.  Hints of mint throughout the sip, and a peppery tingle tickles the tongue in the aftertaste.  There is a creaminess to this as well – its almost like butter.

There is a whole lot of flavor in this tisane, and it’s a great way to experience the flavor of Tulsi!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Black Tea & Tulsi

Where to Buy:  Shanti Tea

Product Description:

Tulsi is one of India’s most sacred herbs, an aromatic shrub recognized for its spiritually uplifting and healing properties. This tulsi blend is a great morning tea, combining the strong and malty taste of Asamese black tea with the spicy-minty aroma and flavor of high-quality tulsi.

Tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Holy Basil has been called the “Incomparable One”, the “Queen of Herbs” and “The Elixir of Life.”

Read more about this tea here.

Taster’s Review:

This has to be one of the most interesting and unusual breakfast blends I’ve ever tasted.  Interesting, yes … unusual, yes … but also very delicious.

I wasn’t sure exactly what to think of it before I brewed it.  I thought that the black tea might overwhelm the Tulsi.  But that thought vanished as soon as I walked into the kitchen after the tea finished brewing.  The smell of warm, savory spice filled the air.  I don’t think I’ve experienced that aroma from Tulsi in any other Tulsi that I’ve brewed, even the straight up Tulsi!  Maybe it’s the presence of the Assam that brings out those sassy tones from the Tulsi.

The black tea is – interestingly enough – not the strongest flavor I’m experiencing.  The Tulsi is strong and pleasant.  It offers hints of mint, basil and a warm, peppery note as well.  It’s providing a very arresting kind of spice experience:  a crisp, zesty taste of mint, a savory note of basil, and the warm undertone of spice that is quite inviting and comforting.

But all that is not to say that the Assam is overwhelmed here.  As if an Assam tea would let such a thing happen!  It certainly makes its presence known here, although it has managed to master a graceful subtlety to its approach.  It is rich and malty, sure, and provides a strong backdrop of flavor and a fullness to the body that is needed in a good breakfast blend.

Another thing that I’m noticing is a sort of slickness to the texture of the tea.  It sort of smoothly, silkily washes over the palate.  I like it especially because it seems to buffer any attempts at a strong astringent take over by the Assam.   Yes, there is some astringency, but it only alludes to a tangy dryness without seeing it through.

I like this breakfast blend very much – I consider it a MUST TRY for those of you who are looking for something a little different in your early morning tea.

Tea Type: Herbal Tea (Tulsi Base)

Where To Buy: Shanti Tea

Product Description:

Brand New Offering from Shanti – description not yet available on their website

Tasters Review:

Tulsi’s sure are starting to catch on, here, in the states!  As you can see by searching Sororitea Sisters – we enjoy discovering new Tusli offerings, too!  Here is another one – from our friends to the North!  Sweet Lemon Tulsi from Shanti Tea.

I’ve been on a LEMON kick lately and I don’t just mean in TEA…lemon EVERYTHING!!!!

This is super!!!

This is a wonderfully flavored Tulsi!  One I could drink often!  I’m thinking it’s probably one of my fave Tulsi’s to date! YUM! It lives up to it’s name…it’s sweet, it’s lemon, and it’s Tulsi…life is good!

Tea Type: Herbal Tea (Tulsi Base)

Where To Buy: Davidson’s Tea

Product Review:

Davidson’s Signature Blend blends three varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama and Vana) with Peppermint, Pepper, Ginger and Cinnamon.

Tasters Review:

We’ve recently made some new friends in the Tea World…the fine people at Davidson’s Tea.  We have many more Davidson Tea Reviews on tap so please check back!  They have a large selection of bagged teas…my favorite part…they’re ORGANIC!

As for this specific tea – or Tisane, in this case – it’s their 100% Organic Tulsi Signature Blend.

At first I thought this was somewhat relaxing but it does have a kick of spice to it…followed up with a subtle minty finish.

After really trying to pick out the individual ingredients I could taste the Tulsi, Pepper, Ginger, and Peppermint but they worked well together.  This signature Tulsi Blend seems to make my mouth water – a nice characteristic considering the ingredient combo!  I appreciate the fact there are not one, not two, but, THREE Tulsi’s in this blend!  Nicely Done, Davidson’s!!!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Honeybush, Tulsi & Herbal Blend

Where to Buy:  52Teas

Product Description:

It’s 102° in Wichita today, I’ve been stressing out like crazy lately over a bunch of personal stuff, but fortunately, I have the perfect remedy: a tall tumbler full of iced tea, specifically, our tea of the week for this week.

Frankie Says Relax (I just couldn’t resist), is a blend of caffeine-free organic African honeybush, organic Tulsi Rama, lemon myrtle (come to think of it, I think it’s organic too), and natural lemon and lime flavors.

The resulting blend is a bit spicy, a lot citrus-y, with a touch of natural sweetness from the honeybush, and ALL relaxing. It is an “Ahhhhh”-moment in a cup. And I can tell you firsthand, it is amazing hot or iced.

I fully expect this one is going to go fast, and I don’t have an unlimited supply of tulsi (or honeybush right now for that matter), so don’t drag your feet, get some now and enjoy this one-of-a-kind refreshment.

Taster’s Review:

Wow!  This tastes much better than I thought it would.  Not that I doubted Frank’s artistry; however, I just thought that this blend seemed a little more “ordinary” … or is “tame” a better word?  It’s not a “far out” blend like some of Frank’s other fantastically famous blends like Pancake Breakfast or Marshmallow Treat Genmaicha.  In comparison, this lemon-lime Tulsi & Honeybush blend would seem a bit boring.

But it isn’t.

The flavor is very refreshing.  The lemon and lime flavors meld wonderfully with the herbal-minty flavor of the Tulsi and the honey-nutty flavor of the honeybush.  The Tulsi does give the cup a slightly medicine-y kind of taste … no… more like an herbal-health-food kind of taste in the background, but, it doesn’t offset the delicious sweetness of it.

The citrus notes hit the palate first.  The citrus tastes tangy, juicy and just a little bit sweet.  The citrus is crisp but not sharp, as I think that the sweetness from the Honeybush tempers the sharper tones well.  Beneath these stronger flavors, the honeybush offers its sweet, nutty taste, while the mint-basil-y taste of the Tulsi sits back in the background.

I think that Frank describes it best when he says it’s “a bit spicy, a lot citrus-y, with a touch of natural sweetness from the honeybush, and ALL relaxing.”  This is all that!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Tulsi

Where to Buy:  The Tao of Tea

Product Description:

An organic blend of green leaf (Rama) Tulsi and spearmint.

Known as Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), Tulsi is a sacred plant from India used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi is considered an ‘elixir of life’ providing alchemy to one’s well being.

Taster’s Review:

While brewing, this tea filled the kitchen with a savory, herbaceous aroma.   I’ve brewed a few different tulsi blends, and I don’t recall ever experiencing as strong a fragrance as I did with this tea.  From the scent, I thought I was in for a very herb-y tasting tisane and I worried it might taste medicinal.  But it doesn’t.

The flavor is very cool and minty, but not in a mouthwash kind of way.  There is also a sharp and slightly peppery kind of taste to the tulsi that I don’t think I’ve ever detected in a tulsi blend before.  The contrast of these characteristics makes for a very interesting and exciting flavor.  The cup is light and refreshing with a crisp mint taste.  It’s quite tasty.

I have kind of been on the fence when it comes to tulsi, but for no other reason than because it’s an herb and my automated response to herbals tends to be that of alarm and distrust.  Well, I think it is time for me to embrace the tulsi, because I have yet to find a tulsi blend that I dislike!

Tea Information:

Leaf Type:  Tulsi/Herbal Tisane

Where to Buy:  Davidson’s Organics

Product Description:

Davidson’s blends three varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama and Vana) with hibiscus to create a delicious tartness and a beautiful rosy color. Hibiscus contains natural vitamin C, and is now thought to reduce cholesterol, while also lowering blood pressure.

Ingredients (* organic): Tulsi*, hibiscus*, cinnamon*, lemon peel* and orange peel*.

Taster’s Review:

This tea scared me a little.  As some of you probably are aware, I’m not fond of hibiscus, although a little bit in blends is not bad.  But with a name like “Hibiscus Flower” I figured that there was going to be more than a “little bit” of hibiscus in this blend.

But I’ve got to admit that this isn’t bad at all.  In fact, it’s pretty tasty!  While the hibiscus is there, the thick, syrupy, tart hibiscus flavor is not.  Of course, that had something to do with the steep time (I steeped it for four minutes), but it also has something to do with the other ingredients in this blend.

I can taste an herbaceous flavor that is somewhat minty (that’s the Tulsi), as well as a warmth from the cinnamon.  I can also taste the bright citrus-y notes of the lemon and orange peels.  Together with the hibiscus, these ingredients create a very interesting, pleasant-tasting tisane.

While I am enjoying the juicy flavors of the citrus peels and the fresh taste of the Tulsi, I think that the ingredient that saves this blend is the cinnamon.  It is not incredibly spicy, but it offers enough heat to give contrast to the tangy hibiscus and sweet citrus tones.

While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that this is my favorite Tulsi blend (because it isn’t), I’ve enjoyed this.  I like it more than I thought I would, and while it is not something I’d buy on a regular basis, but I wouldn’t mind sipping on it on occasion.