I’m a green tea drinker for the most part. When I do drink black tea, it’s usually Chai, or some other spiced/flavored black tea. I guess for the most part I just find plain black tea a little flat and boring.
I tried this tea two different ways. One cup was plain, with a little coconut sugar. It’s a lightweight black tea, and the floral notes are very subtle, but they’re there. I actually enjoyed this cup more than I expected, and would drink it that way again. It also has a slight sweetness to it, so I used less than a teaspoon of coconut sugar. If you don’t like very sweet tea, you’d probably love it alone!
The second cup I tried was with the same amount of coconut sugar, and a splash of coconut milk. Now this is what I need in the morning! It was sweet and creamy and just really pleasant. I feel like not only did it give me a little morning pick me up, but it also put a smile on my face.
Think Earl Grey, with a little less floral aftertaste. Very nice for a crisp morning!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Tocha Tea
Description
The fragrance of purifying Osmanthus flowers is the perfect complement to the subtle sweetness of whole leaf black tea. Quench your thirst and revitalize your spirit with this smooth, full-bodied blend; ideal for kick-starting your morning or uplifting your afternoon.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Organic Ginger and Turmeric Tea from Trader Joe’s
I saw this tea at Trader Joe’s last week, and I had to try it. I love ginger tea, and turmeric is definitely a spice I try to get in my meals at least once a day. So combining the two in one bag is perfect! This tea also has organic licorice and organic orange peel, so there are other flavors to help balance everything out!
It finally was cool enough the other day to have an afternoon cup of tea. This blend is caffeine free by the way, so it’s a good bet for afternoon and evening sips. I was pleasantly surprised by the natural sweetness of this tea. You can really taste the orange. Turmeric can be very sharp if you use too much, I’ve learned that from experience. This is balanced perfectly, I can actually taste every ingredient.
I love that this is both delicious and healthy. This is going to be a staple in my cupboard this winter for sure.
And as most things from Trader Joe’s are, this teas is an affordable $2.49 a box. I really recommend this blend, it’s a new favorite!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal/Tisane
Where to Buy: Trader Joe’s
Description
The use of turmeric [say: “TOO-mer-ick”] is on the rise. This rhizome (underground, rooted stem) is in the ginger family—and looks it, too, except for the striking orange color beneath its skin.
Mix turmeric with cousin ginger and put it in in curries or in your grilled chicken rub, and you’ll get an invigorating, fragrant, (brightly colored) result. Mix turmeric with ginger and put it in hot water, and you’ll get the invigorating and fragrant Trader Joe’s Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea.
Actually, it’s not tea, per se—since there are no leaves of a tea plant in these steeping bags. Steeped in hot water, our bags produce a “tisane,” aka an “herbal infusion”; what most people (not to mention we) call Herbal Tea.
Now, since we are being completely thorough, we should also mention that our Ginger Turmeric Tea is significantly more than just ginger and turmeric. It also incorporates licorice root, orange peel, orange oil, and black pepper—all of which are 100% organic, as a matter of fact.
By placing one “tea bag” (there are 20 in the box) in an eight ounce cup and adding boiling water, you’re making a caffeine-free beverage that is ready to sip in 3-5 minutes. The ginger will revitalize, while the turmeric awakens with its aromatic quality. Sound inviting? Then, we invite you to experience a cup for yourself.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Hibiscus Red from Care Tea
To be honest, hibiscus tea is not my favorite. I find the tartness a little much at times. But I drink it because it’s so good for you. It’s very high in vitamin c, and it’s very hydrating. I recently moved to Salt Lake City from Seattle, and it’s taking some time getting used to the extreme heat, so hydration is important.
I’ve learned that the only way I can drink hibiscus tea is iced. I just think it tastes best that way. I usually mix it with some green or white tea to help balance it all out, but for the sake of this review I drank it straight.
It’s hibiscus all right. It is tart and tangy, and this blend wasn’t so shockingly red. What can I say, if you like hibiscus tea, you will like this. And, if you’re like me, and drink it more for the amazing health benefits, you won’t hate it. This blend is a bit more balanced than other hibiscus teas I’ve had. The tartness is a bit mellower. All in all it was a refreshing, hydrating iced beverage on a hot, hot day!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal/Tisane
Where to Buy: Care Tea
Description
A fresh breezy tropical blend of hibiscus and red rooibos is a tangy treat, hot or iced.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Blueberry Grape Kombucha from Simple Truth Organic (Kroger/FredMeyer/QFC)
Simple truth organics, which is Kroger/Fred Meyer/ QFC organic store brand has now come out with their own line of kombuchas! I saw them yesterday, and I went back and forth because Kevita is my favorite booch, but these were on sale, so I decided to give it a try. I chose blueberry grape, and also blueberry ginger.
I just had the blueberry grape, and I am pleased to say it was delicious! Almost like a sparkling grape juice. Some kombuchas are way too sweet, and some are way too dry. That’s why I always stick to Kevita, because I feel like their booch is neither of those things. I am happy to report that Simple Truth Organics seems to also like their brew to be balanced. This was refreshing, and had the perfect about of that probiotic tang that you expect from a kombucha.
I saw Blueberry Grape, Blueberry Ginger, and also Grapefruit at my store. I’ll definitely be trying the graperfruit next.
This brand is under three dollars a bottle, currently it’s on sale two for five, so it’s pretty mid priced for kombucha. If you like Kevita kombucha, you will enjoy this brand also. And if you like graper juice, I really recommend the Blueberry Grape!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Kombucha
Where to Buy: Kroger/Fred Meyer
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Energy Blend from Dave & Solomons Tea
Today I tried Dave&Solomon Energy Blend tea. I had been running around and needed a pick me up. When I first opened the package, it smelled earthy, a little floral-y, and very welcoming.
I believe this will be great as an iced tea. It has an earthy taste, it reminds me a little of chamomile, but different. The best way I can describe it is if chamomile and Rooibos had a little tea baby. The taste is nice and light, no sweetener needed.
The best part about this tea is how I feel. I wouldn’t say I feel energized as much as I feel calm and alert. And tranquil, but not sleepy. I will be making more of this, and trying it over ice for sure. It feels perfect for these last warm days of summer.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black/Herbal Tea
Where to Buy: Dave & Solomons Tea
Description
Get up and go with an invigorating cup of Energy . Energy, is a great tea to start your day, after meals, or to fight off that sluggish afternoon. Energy, has a robust earthy tone, followed by floral notes from the rose petals & lavender flower combined with a delicate citrus note from the lemongrass.
Ingredients: black tea, rose petals, lemongrass, lavender.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!