Traditional Masala Chai/Blue Lotus Chai

Let me tell you how you can have an amazing pick up for your day.

(1)  Pick yourself up a tin of Traditional Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai.

(2) Once the tin arrives, instantly get the following:  water, pot, milk and a timer.

(3) Open the tin and enjoy the aromas of the chai mix.

(4) Boil 4 oz fresh water.

(5) Add one rounded scoop of the powdered chai.

(6) Stir. . . .add in milk or creamer and continue to heat the mixture

(7) Once the brew is the desired temp, I highly recommended adding on a dollop of froth milk/cream to throw this experience over the top.

(8) Enjoy. . .and let all of the cares of the day wash away

I will admit, I am not a chai fan but this chai mix has changed my mind completely.  After following the above steps, you are left with this delicious chai mix that really makes you sit back and take a moment for yourself.  All of those beautiful spices mingle so well together and if you use milk like I did, that added creamy note really makes the brew even more enjoyable.

I will say that you definitely want to drink this tea right after you prepare the brew.  I accidentally let the tea sit for a few minutes and it seemed like there was a bit of grit from the powder staring to accumulate at the bottom of the cup.

What is brilliant about this chai is there isn’t a teapot that you need to clean out, there is no tea leaves you need to fuss with, just a pot, some water, and the chai mix itself.  Now saying that, I do still love my loose leaf tea and would never part with having it, but this chai mix from Blue Lotus Chai is definitely a great tea to have on hand for those mornings or afternoons when you need a little pick me up and may not have all of the needed tea ware to brew up a proper cuppa or just need a cuppa asap.


Want to Know More About This Tea?

Leaf Type:  Black

Where to Buy:  Blue Lotus Chai

Description

With its deep and truly authentic flavor and amazing ease of preparation, our flagship product has become part of the daily rhythm of many homes. Tasting is believing!

Ingredients: Naturally brewed and flash-dried black tea powder; 100% Certified Organic powdered spices: ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Ovary-acting Remedy Review Roundup. . . .

There are just too many choices sometimes, which can make it difficult to find a quick fix. My body was super ovary-acting this week and I needed something to help me feel better, but I had three different tea bags that all purported the same benefits, what was I to do? A side-by-side comparison, of course!!

I brewed Traditional Medicinals  Raspberry Leaf, Yogi Women’s Moon Cycle, and Republic of Tea’s  SuperHerb Raspberry Leaf at the same time. They ALL include organic materials, yay!

They claim: Tones uterus to aid in effective contractions.  So when we think about toning other muscles … you’re using them in a stronger way, so don’t be surprised if it creates more intense sensations. That’s how it reacts for me, and if given the choice, I’d choose short but intense cramps rather than mild and long-lasting – just to get ’em over with. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Yogi’s Women’s Moon Cycle includes several different herbals, the most out of these three samples, and has a medium brew time of 7 minutes. This comes out as cloudy and copper-colored, smelling like a chai, mmmmmm. This has a light, spicy taste, and leaves nothing on the tongue when it finishes. I like this both with and without sweetener.

Republic of Tea’s Organic Raspberry Leaf SuperHerb Tea includes raspberry fruit flavor and rosehips. This had the quickest brew time at 5-7 minutes. It was VERY fruity smelling, making me feel a bit averse to it. Fortunately it had a lighter taste than it’s initial strong smell, but there’s a long aftertaste. And somehow I get a distinct banana taste! A little sweetener tones down the nanners, and wow this might be a nice addition to a smoothie!

Traditional Medicinals is the purist, with only red raspberry leaves inside. They recommend the longest brew time at 10-15 min, but that’s kind of standard for whole leaf tisanes. It’s brassy colored, and smells like a black tea, but with none of the caffeine. This simple flavor would be good if you were feeling nausea. Anecdotally, when I was pregnant, I had doctor’s approval to drink some of this during my third trimester and I went into a nice short 12 hour labor right on my due date! But that could have been from eating dates, or prenatal massage, or typhoon approaching, or Murphy’s law with our schedule, or that I’m Wonder Woman, or just plain dumb luck……. Anyhow, this was my personal favorite of the three.

Each tea offers its own perks, depending on what your personal comfort medicine is, each could be a nice fix.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Bagged Tisanes
Where to Buy: Traditional Medicinals

Gently nurturing and a friend of women. Supports healthy menstruation, tones the uterus and may be used for menstrual cramps.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Where to Buy: Yogi Teas

We combine Raspberry Leaf, traditionally used for centuries to address common menstrual discomforts, and Chamomile which has been used for centuries to help soothe the mind and body. Infuse harmony and comfort into the days of your monthly cycle with a calming cup of Woman’s Moon Cycle® tea.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Where to Buy: Republic of Tea

Red Raspberry Leaf is perhaps the most popular herb among midwives and herbalists. From fertility to pregnancy to nursing to even menopause, this herb can help women at virtually every stage of life.* It has been long revered for its ability to help tone uterine muscles and balance menstrual cycles. With a hint of vanilla and berry notes, this tea is reminiscent of a fruity parfait.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Spotlight on Fraser Tea Bags

Sustainable business models are so hot right now. Seriously, Zoolander aside, I’m all about capitalists that care about future generations. Fraser Tea sells organic tea blends in corn-based, sustainably produced pyramids. I think it’s a great option to consider bringing in to your cubicle or on vacations. I received several of their pyramids in my tea mail this month, so their spotlight is a little from Column A and a little from Column B…

Spicy Chocolate Chai – flavored puerh

First things first, a girls gotta have her chocolate. There were oils on top of brew, which always equate to having been carefully handled and thus retain more of the goodness we expect from full leaf teas. A sneaky Chai taste followed by a  mellow chocolate aftertaste. The tiniest bit of sweetener rounded out these flavors. I want to point out for later on, those of you hardcore readers, that this tea has 60 mg caffeine.

Chamomile Dream – herbal

To me, Sleepy-time teas are the most swoon-worthy. There’s always something about them that is so restorative and comforting.  This pyramid has sweet smelling dry leaves. As soon as that scent connects in my brain, there’s that instant calming response. I know i’m not the only one!

The blend of wet leaves smell just as sweet, and I notice an enticing hint of a berry red in them now. This tastes like soft, pillowy, dreamy meadows… full of sheep, so many sheep, mmm and it feels like time to say goodnight.

Turmeric Ginger Green – flavored green

Ok, preface, turmeric and I got off on the wrong foot when it stained my gravity strainer for no good reason. I have been suspicious of its health claims ever since… but that’s a personal bias which does not discount dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies…  I also need to state that my toddler helped me brew this and ripped the bag 😬 kay, so still waiting for the great feelings. Moving on, I found I prefer this ingredient in bag form because it eliminates my first problem with staining. So my palate has started to open up to tea for health reasons, as opposed to familiar tastes. There is an acquired taste to this tea, but it is not in your face. It certainly would be a perfect finish to a savory lunch.

Yerba Mint – alternative tea

Until now I never realized how powerful other plants could be in the caffeine department! I guess I should have known that from coffee beans, but I never put it all together until I saw there was 70+ mg caffeine in this non-camellia sinensis plant!!! Yikes! That probably explains a few restless nights after “just some herbal” tea… The juxtaposition between earthy and gentle is juuuuuuust right here. I can imagine putting this over ice would be a delightful way to ignore a humid summer.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Variety
Where to Buy: Fraser Tea

https://frasertea.com/products/organic-spicy-chocolate-chai

Spicy Chocolate Chai Organic Pu-erh Tea is a fusion of cocoa nibs, spicy chili peppers, and delicate, sweet oranges combined to craft a flavor sensation with maximum health benefits. Striking a delicate balance between heat and sweetness, spicy chocolate chai is a smooth and flavorful tea that supports weight management and wellness.  Enjoy any time. Try it as-is or add milk and sugar.

https://frasertea.com/products/chamomile-dream-organic-herbal-tea.

Chamomile Dream Organic Herbal Tea soothes the mind and body.  Supporting health and digestion, this relaxing organic tea blends gentle, floral notes of chamomile, cleansing and bright lemongrass, tart hibiscus and refreshing peppermint. Try it anytime throughout the day, with a book before bedtime, or following a restorative meditation practice. Chamomile Dream offers gentle, soothing relaxation for mind, body and spirit.


https://frasertea.com/products/organic-turmeric-ginger

Turmeric Ginger Organic Green Tea delivers a multitude of health benefits in a delicious and flavorful way.  Green tea is blended with cinnamon, ginger, pink peppercorn, lemongrass, and turmeric offering a sweet and unexpected fresh taste. Known as a “superfood”, turmeric’s list of health benefits include boosting your body’s immunity, anti-inflammatory properties, improved brain function and heart health.

https://frasertea.com/products/organic-yerba-mate-mint

This Yerba Mate Mint Organic Herbal Tea is an energizing blend. At Fraser Tea we formulated this vibrant tea to maximize focus or help make the most of your daily workout. We combine the South American yerba mate plant with invigorating peppermint, a sophisticated green tea and an array of floral’s to amplify the natural benefits. Yerba mate is considered the healthy wonder drink grown in South America thanks to its energizing effects. Traditionally yerba mate is consumed with a gourd and a straw, however you can use your favorite teacup. Our Yerba Mate Mint tea is delicious iced or warm.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

White Cap Chai from Beach House Teas

White teas have not always been my favorite kind of tea, but they have grown on me with every new flavor I try.  Since I already like chai teas, I was predisposed to enjoy White Cap Chai from Beach House teas.

This is a wonderful take on the lighter side of chai.  The white tea is earthy and smooth, and gently floral. It makes for a vegetal chai without being grassy like green tea.  I was thrilled to find a new low caffeine option for chai that isn’t based in rooibos teas.

I adore the mix of spices in this tea, especially the addition of fennel.  Fennel occupies that space between sweet spice and savory herb, and brings a new layer to the expected spices like cinnamon or ginger.  Added peppercorns also play into the more savory earthiness of the flavors.

Despite some big chai spice players like cloves, anise, and cardamom, the spices themselves are gentle enough to still allow you to taste the white tea and more understated peony flavors.  This kind of balance with a spicy tea really shows that the blenders at Beach House Teas know their stuff.

I will have to stock up on White Cap Chai to help balance out all the other black tea or rooibos chais I’ve got in my cupboard.  White Cap Chai is versatile and unexpected, perfect for the changing of seasons or for my ever-changing palette for tea.


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: White
Where to Buy: Beach House Tea Co.
Description:

White Cap Chai is a lighter version of the traditional chai making it delicate and unique. This beautiful chai is made with 100% organic white peony tea leaves and organic spices. It’s a modern twist on a sweet and spicy classic. The chai gives you a smooth, mellow taste with subtle layers of flavor.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!

Coco Chai No. 5 from Bird and Blend Tea

This tea is named for Marilyn Monroe’s use of the perfume, Chanel No. 5, but I can’t help but think of the pop song that involves No. 5 instead (if it is stuck in your head now, you’re welcome).  The blend suits both sassy scenarios. With a bold assam base it is full of life and flavor. Added heat from ginger and peppercorns keep things spicy without being too fiery. Earthy cardamom adds a little maturity and depth to the chai flavors.  Last but not least, coconut, the “coco” part of the namesake, adds its trademark buttery creaminess to make the blend feel extra decadent.

I love chai teas on their own without milk and sugar, and this one is perfect in that style.  The fattiness from the coconut makes it feel lush even without milk. If you really want to treat yourself, brew this as a latte for that perfect mix of soft foam and warming spices.

This is also a tea that looks pretty in the loose leaf, so be sure to snap a picture as you scoop it into your cup.  There are golden nibs of ginger root, vibrant red peppercorns, boxy light green cardamom pods, and dark russet arcs of cloves.  For a blend with plenty of style, personality, and flavor, brew up Coco Chai No. 5 from Bird and Blend Tea.

 


Here’s the scoop!

Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Bird and Blend
Description:

When asked what she wore to bed, Marilyn Monroe famously replied ‘five drops of Chanel No.5.’ We’re not sure about getting you into bed with blonde bombshells, but five drops of Coco Chai No.5 will definitely satisfy your taste buds with its delicious loose leaf blend of spices and smooth coconut.

Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!