The last few days have been felt like an overload of sweet, milky teas– to the point that even my beloved English Breakfast with cream and honey was starting to feel too sickly sweet for me. (#teareviewerprobs– admittedly, best. problem. ever.) And so, I knew my body was telling me it was time for a little tea/tummy reset.
I knew exactly what I was looking for, digging around in my sample stash– this blend from Harlow Tea Co has been calling my name for days. A honeybush blend with plum and vegetal, herbal notes, I knew it would hit the spot without feeling like dessert overload. Right off the bat, the leaves smell beautiful– fruity and herbal, balancing the flavor-makers like plum with some more medicinal herbs like lady’s mantle, all juxtaposed against the smooth honeybush.
Brewed, it hits all those same notes for me. Fruity, but not too sweet; just herbal enough to feel like I’m doing something good for my body to boot! The one flavor that seems predominant to me is that of plums– prunes, to be exact. It makes sense, as there are large dried plum chunks in the dry leaf, and I adore prunes as a snack.
That said, if these GI-enablers aren’t your favorite flavor, I’d say this tea might not be for you. For me, though, it’s a home run. My stomach is happy, my tea drinking habits are feeling balanced again, and I’ll definitely be rebrewing my sample as many more times as I can get away with (and knowing Harlow, it’s bound to be at least a few). To balance!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Harlow Tea Co.
Description
This caffeine free tea is a great tea for any tea drinker, someone brand new to tea or have tried it all.
Honeybush tea is vey mild, but gives great flavor without caffeine. Floral hints from rose hips, hibiscus flower, and lady’s mantle is balanced with the fruity aroma of dried plums.
Does not contain caffeine
Lady’s mantle is considered in many cultures to be used as a woman’s healing herb.
Ingredients: honeybush tea, dried plums, lady’s mantle, rose hips, and hibiscus flower.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Battle of the Peppermint NecessiTeas
Apparently I have a type. No, I am not talking about men, I am talking about teas. While looking through my box of NecessiTeas, I noticed that out of the 11 teas I purchased, 3 were peppermint black teas. Well, how many peppermint black teas does one tea stash really need? I figured it was best to compare and contrast in what I lovingly named “Battle of the Peppermint NecessiTeas” to see which blend reigns supreme.
For each tea, I used two perfect teaspoons of tea in a 16 oz mug and steeped the leaves in 200 degree water for 4.5 minutes. Then, I had an unexpected computer update so now I am trying the teas lukewarm. Anyways, let’s get to it!
Candy Cane Lane: Of the three, this is the only one that does not contain chocolate. As a result, this is also the clearest brew though it is still rather dark. It is also the one without peppermint leaves but instead a generous helping of candy cane pieces. It probably has the strongest peppermint scent which translates into the strongest peppermint taste. This blend is also unique in that it combines peppermint with marshmallow. I find the marshmallow keeps the peppermint from becoming medicinal and keeps this tea sweet. Plus, it provides the tea a soft, fluffy texture reminiscent of the squishy delight itself.
Dirty Girl Scout: An irish cream and white chocolate flavored black tea that has Andes pieces?! Count me in. Sure this blend is murkier than Candy Cane Lane and yes it may leave a scum ring if it sits for a bit, yet it is not oily/greasy in texture. Instead, this tea is really quite creamy. The flavors are subtle but silky. I am definitely picking up on the smooth chocolate first while the mint gently lingers in the aftertaste. Also, it smells like a cookie.
White Chocolate Peppermint: This blend incorporates honeybush and carob with the black tea and 
white chocolate shavings. This is the murkiest of the three blends and the tea does coat the tongue slightly as you sip, just as it leaves its mark on the mug in the form of a scum ring. Nonetheless, the texture is not offensive like some murky teas can tend to be. Moreover, there are no peppermint leaves to be found though the peppermint flavoring comes through loud and clear (in both scent and taste). This blend certainly has the strongest note of cooling peppermint. It is also the least candy-like of the mix. This is not to say that it is not sweet, because it is, but the carob contributes a more earthy/rich flavor.
So overall, I would say the White Chocolate Peppermint, though very good, is my least favorite of the three. Personally, I am a sucker for the marshmallow of Candy Cane Lane but I think the flavor of the Dirty Girl Scout would be magical as a latte. Honestly, the two are delightful but better suited for different situations. Candy Cane Lane is definitely a holiday blend with it’s soft texture and smooth candy cane flavor (sweeter and a bit less medicinal than regular peppermint flavor) while Dirty Girl Scout is more of a decadent dessert between the delectable Andes mints and the velvety smooth irish cream.
Here’s the scoop!
Where to Buy: The NecessiTeas
Click on the links in the descriptions of each tea to get more info!
A Herbal Tea from the Tea Dude!
There is something so wonderful about knowing a product is homemade. Knowing someone has put time and energy and effort into producing a high quality item and that they want to share that item with the world… well, that’s insanely cool in my book. Maybe that’s why I can’t help but smile every time I open my container of Meegs Tea from the Tea Dude. There’s a simple sticker on the back of the tin that proudly states that the herbal blend is home produced. Don’t be fooled though. This is a rich, flavorful blend that is as good or better than many of those from the Big Name tea companies out there.
The ingredients in Meegs Tea are simple: honeybush, cinnamon, clove, star anis, fennel seed. The mixture of these ingredients is what makes this blend so special. There’s a balance that keeps all of the flavors swirling together without any one ingredient dominating the others. I usually find teas with clove to often have an almost overpowering clove flavor, but that’s not the case with Meegs Tea. Instead, I get a spicy mixture of flavors with a woody note from the honeybush that I find delightful. This blend is wonderful for these late fall days heading into the holiday season. Since there’s no caffeine in this tea is a great way to wind down while still enjoying the flavors of the season.
I will say that the fennel seed in this blend made me a bit wary. I’m not a big fan of fennel in my food because it tends to dominate any other flavors. However, like the clove and other spices, the fennel in this tea has been added with a careful hand so that it doesn’t drown out the other flavors. I actually really like the addition of fennel. It adds an interesting and tasty twist, and it makes me think of drinking a nice chai tea at an upscale spa. That might just be me though.
I’d say give Meegs Tea a try If you’re looking for an herbal tea that’s a bit different from a lot of the other teas out there. It’s great for the end of fall, great for the holidays, and it’s a great any time of day pick-me-up. Plus, you’ll be getting a lovely, high quality, homemade tea. What’s not to love about that?
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Herbal
Where to Buy: Tea Dude
Description
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Vintage Hand Stamped Silver plate Spoon- BEST TEA-Spoon- Gift Idea for Any Tea Enthusiast!
If you are looking for a wonderful unique gift for any tea enthusiast, check this review out! I have one and use it each and every day. I am in love with these wonderful spoons and have to say they make me smile each and every day!
~CuppaGeek
Not too long ago I received a lovely spoon from Blue Crabb. A Vintage Hand Stamped Silverplate Spoon – BEST TEA – Spoon from Blue Crabb’s Etsy Shop, to be exact.
This A Vintage Hand Stamped Silverplate Spoon – BEST TEA – Spoon from Blue Crabb’s Etsy Shop is absolutely darling! The product description says it would make a great gift or party favor be HECK YES I’m keeping it for myself!
This is a gently used spoon that has been given a new look and Blue Crabb says it could show some signs of wear but I cannot see any! I love the vintage look. They don’t make silver spoons like this anymore – or at least at the places I have seen silverware – lately!
I’ve used this spoon to gently stir already broken apart pu-erh while still in the strainer. I’ve also used this while stirring freshly brewed iced tea. But have to admit my favor thing to do with this – is to admire it! I’m in LOVE with my A Vintage Hand Stamped Silverplate Spoon – BEST TEA – Spoon from Blue Crabb’s Etsy Shop!
Here’s the scoop!
Teaware: Stamped Spoon
Where to Buy: Blue Crabb
Description
“BEST (heart) TEA!
Any time is tea time! Do you and your bestie love tea? This charming teaspoon will make a lovely gift , or a perfect Party Favor for your next Tea Party or Shower. Just message me and I will be happy to make as many as you need!!!
Please remember even though this gently used spoon has been given a new look, it will show some signs of wear.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Curled Dragon Silver Tip from Zen Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Zen Tea
Tea Description:
A most amazing tea – even just to look at. The name refers to the unusual and striking shape and color of the leaves, which are rolled into complex, tightly-curled dragon-like shapes with a silvery color. Curled Dragon Silver Tips is an extremely well-made tea, and a good example of the high level of hand-work. Even before infusion, the aroma of this tea is heavenly! Infused, it produces a complex, sweet and somewhat floral liquor. There are no edges and no astringency. Entirely handmade, it is a must have for green tea lovers.
Learn more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This has to be one of the most beautiful teas I’ve ever seen. The leaves are so tiny and frail looking, and have been shaped into itty-bitty dragon-like curls. Each tiny leaf is an absolutely stunning work of art! These leaves look as though they could be a white tea because of their pale green color and the tiniest little silvery fuzz that covers them.
The color of the liquid is almost as beautiful as the dry leaf. It is the palest shade of green, mixed with a translucent, golden alabaster. So breathtakingly gorgeous! Again, this tea looks as though it could be the highest quality white tea, rather than a green.
And all of this would mean very little if the tea was not also stunning. But it is, indeed, amazingly good. The texture reminds me just a bit of champagne, how it dances lightly over the tongue in an almost effervescent way until it settles in and offers a soft, smooth mouthfeel that lightly coats the palate.
The overall delicateness of this tea is also rather reminiscent of a fine white tea. The flavor is light and crisp with a sweet taste. It doesn’t taste strongly vegetative at all, in fact, this tea is one of the lighter, more delicate tasting green teas I’ve encountered. It features flavors that are sweeter and mellower than the typical vegetative tones that I notice with green teas that can be somewhat sharp. This is softer … like a very mild tasting, young artichoke heart. Not the ones that have been processed and pickled in a brine. But the fresh artichoke that has been steamed until tender and smooth like butter, with a flavor to match. Yeah, that’s what I taste now.
By mid-cup, I find that the vegetative notes have developed somewhat. They are still remarkably smooth and buttery, as there is not a sharp edge to this cup whatsoever. But, it has become much more green tea-like now that the tea has cooled slightly and I’ve been drinking it a little while. But it remains delicate. There is no astringency, no bitterness… nothing at all that might be construed as off-putting. It is just simply delicious.
