Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green & Oolong
Where to Buy: 52Teas
Product Description:
This week, we have a fusion of premium green teas and oolongs blended with freeze-dried cucumber bits and natural cucumber flavor. A real refreshing taste of spring. These “savory” teas have been going really fast, so don’t miss out on this one. When it’s gone, it’s GONE.
Taster’s Review:
In February 2010, 52Teas released a Cucumber Melon tea that turned out to be my first experience with cucumber flavored teas. I was quite impressed with that particular tea, so I was quick to order this tea when it was announced in April of this year.
This tea tastes so refreshing and light. It tastes like spring! It really does. It is fresh and crisp, like the crispness of the air and the fresh sense of life that follows the cold of winter.
The tea base is an Oolong and green tea base. The Oolong gives the cup a smooth, silky texture, while the green tea adds a fresh, lightly grassy taste that melds very well with the savory cucumber tones. There is a slight sweetness to the cup, but I would say that it is more savory than sweet.
It is difficult to describe the flavor of this one, because how does one really describe the flavor of a cucumber? Yes, I can taste the cucumber, and it is distinct, but, it isn’t a strong or in-your-face kind of flavor. But then, the flavor of a cucumber isn’t really in your face either. It is a mellow flavor – very delicate – it’s a perfectly serene kind of tea that is sure to instill a sense of peace even after the most hectic of days.
As I write this, I am sipping it hot, but, I find it even more refreshing as an iced tea. The savoriness of the cucumber really emerges when iced, making for a cool, crisp drink that satisfies my thirst.
Royal Camomile from Hampstead Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Hampstead Tea
Product Description:
A beautiful golden infusion made from prized sweetly scented camomile petals. Camomile relieves inflammation, soothes and relaxes.
Naturally caffeine free.
Ingredients: Fairtrade camomile flowers
Taster’s Review:
When I first opened the pouch of this tea bag, I was amazed at just how fragrant the chamomile was. Yes, I’ve smelled chamomile before, but, usually it is a much more subtle aroma than this. The scent here is so strong, much stronger than other bagged chamomiles that I’ve tried. Such a lovely fragrance – sweet and flowery. Beautiful.
And the bouquet is not the only unexpected thing about this tea – the flavor is very surprisingly good. I know that I have been harsh in the past about chamomile, especially bagged chamomile. But this bagged tisane is changing my beliefs about chamomile in a tea bag! This is lovely!
The flavor is light and flowery with a crisp apple-like note. It is a very soothing, comforting tisane – especially later in the evening when I’m getting ready for bedtime. Especially good with a drizzle of honey.
I do recommend steeping this (and all botanical teas) at a below boiling temperature. When the water is too hot, it really seems to destroy the flavor of the chamomile. I think this is one reason why I disliked chamomile so much in the past – because I was brewing at too high a temperature. Keep the temperature below boiling, and you too will be rewarded with a pale gold cup of tasty goodness!
Good Morning Maté from Fusion Tea Room
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Yerba Maté & Rooibos
Where to Buy: Fusion Tea Room
Product Review:
Rich Argentinean roasted mate is combined with rooibos, cocoa bits, coconut flakes, cinnamon, cloves, cornflower blossoms and flavor to give you a burst of energy without the jitters, that will last the entire day. Enjoy as a latte for a healthier alternative to coffee without sacrificing full, rich flavor.
Taster’s Review:
I have tried a few of the blends from Fusion Tea Room thus far (and there are still quite a few more to try!) and I must say that I have been very impressed. They certainly have a way with bringing flavors together to create a delicious cup, similar to the way a masterful chef has a way with combining ingredients to create a delicious dish. True artistry at work when it comes to Fusion Tea Room!
The flavor of this Good Morning Maté is delightful. The richness and robust character reminds me very much of that morning cup of coffee that I used to enjoy many years ago (and even though I’m much happier with the switch to tea, there are times when I miss that deep, robust flavor of coffee, especially on those sleepy mornings).
The Yerba Maté seems to be the main component of this particular blend, and it is the Maté that provides the aforementioned deep, rich flavor. There is a pleasant roasted flavor from the Maté, but it isn’t overwhelmingly earthy the way some Yerba Maté tisanes can be.
The cinnamon and cloves enhance the background and every once in a while arrive to the forefront with their warm spice. But it’s just a touch of spice – certainly not what I would consider a spicy cup. The chocolate and coconut are also not particularly prominent in this cup – rather this is more like a well-balanced combination of each ingredient which allows each flavor to be represented without being overwhelmed by another.
If there is one ingredient that seems to be lacking in comparison to the rest, it would be the rooibos. That being said, I do get a distinct rooibos taste in this cup, although it is not strong or what I would consider one of the main flavors in this blend.
This tisane offers a very happy way to wake up with its hints of cocoa and coconut, as well as its deep, rich character and myriad of contemplative flavors. If I were to offer any complaint about this at all, it would be that I would like for the chocolate to be a little stronger – but then, that’s the chocoholic in me talking. Otherwise I’m finding this to be a rather exceptional tasting Yerba Maté blend!
Orange Grapefruit from Fusion Tea Room
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Fruit/Herbal
Where to Buy: Fusion Tea Room
Product Description:
This mild creation is given fruity sweetness by the apple pieces and carrot flakes and a touch of freshness by eucalyptus leaves, lemon grass, tangerine bits and a nuance of hibiscus. Dried Orange slices are an optical reminder of the fresh citrus flavor of this absolutely perfect composition.
Taster’s Review:
This is a delightful surprise! I had expected this tisane to be very tart, but, it really isn’t. It is a little tangy, but not what I would call tart. Instead it is mild and refreshing and deliciously sweet!
The hibiscus is so very light here and seems to offer nothing more than color and texture to the cup. Together with the beetroot, this brews to a vibrant, plum-red color.
The flavor of the hibiscus is masked by the bright flavor of citrus. And that’s just fine with me! The overall flavor is a pleasing balance of orange and grapefruit. There are lingering hints of tangerine and I can taste the crisp notes of eucalyptus in the distance.
The apple, carrot and beetroot provide a sweet base for the citrus fruits and help to curb their sometimes sour tendencies while enhancing their natural sweetness.
This tisane would be a big hit at a little girl’s tea party. The color is sure to please and the sweet ambrosial flavor will have them begging for more! This one’s a winner!
Vermont Maple Tea from Teavana
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Fruit & Spice Melangé
Where to Buy: This tea is no longer available from Teavana
Company Description:
This herbal tisane tastes of crisp apples, toasted almonds, and cinnamon all sweetened with a rich natural maple syrup taste. Drink year round to remind yourself of chilly winters around the hearth.
Taster’s Review:
I admit that I have a weakness when it comes to maple. So, naturally, this tisane was very appealing to me.
The maple flavor here is blended with the flavors of cinnamon and apple and a faint hint of almond. The combination is truly wonderful. The cinnamon notes are spicy, but not “red hot” hot – perhaps its the maple that curbs some of the spicier tones of the cinnamon. The apple offers a sweet smoothness to the overall cup – and it’s a bit like apple cider with a heavy infusion of maple flavor.
But what is wonderful about it is that even though it is sweet, it is not cloying. It has a wonderful, warming taste that is truly comforting.
A friend sent me some of this tea, and as I sit here sipping it, I can’t help but feel a little wistful that it is no longer available. It is one of the best teas/tisanes I’ve tried from Teavana.