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!
Apple Pear Tulsi from Fusion Tea Room
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Fruit/Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Fusion Tea Room
Product Description:
The slightly sweet subtle mint flavor of the tulsi herb pairs wonderfully with the addition of apple and pear. Tulsi has an anti stress calming effect that is naturally caffeine free so it’s perfect anytime of the day. This herbal tea is especially refreshing over ice.
Taster’s Review:
The first time I steeped this tea, I don’t think I used enough leaf, because I didn’t manage to extract much flavor. Of course, I didn’t bother to read the steeping instructions on the package that suggest using one and a half teaspoons per cup. I only used one teaspoon, and what a difference that half a teaspoon makes!
This is the second time I’ve tasted this tisane, and this time, I used the right amount of leaf, and the results are a delicious tisane – I mean, really delicious!
The Tulsi imparts a hint of minty flavor to the cup, but the real stars of this tisane are the apple and pear flavors. These two flavors meld together so well. The flavor is sweet and nectar-like. The next flavor that I taste is the cinnamon – it is sweet but also delivers just a slight heat to the cup as well. This tisane is full of flavor!
I do recommend adding a little sweetener to the cup to help bring out some of the subtle notes of this tisane. It is good without the sweetener, but with it, it is even better. I can taste the pineapple and even the sharpness of the sunflower with this addition. And most importantly, be sure not to skimp on the amount of leaf you use when you steep this tea. You’ll be rewarded with a very flavorful cup of tea!
Kapha Balance Tea from Shanti Tea
Tea Type: Rooibos, Herbal
Where To Buy: Shanti Tea
Product Description:
An energizing and warming blend which is spicy and robust.
An energizing and warming blend of rooibos, holy basil, fennel, ginger, cardamom, orange peel, sage, pepper, and licorice. A rich orange infusion which is spicy and robust. Great for combating fatigue and balancing Kapha.
Tasters Review:
This Herbally-Rooibos is from Shanti Tea and it’s called Kapha Balance.
This Kapha Balance Tea is WARM – naturally. Yes, it is spicy but you can’t really pick out each spice…except for maybe the pepper…
I enjoyed what they did this with Rooibos here – almost like a Rooibos Chai, even. The rooibos along side the other ingredients make the taste of the rooibos not-so-stereotypical. Yes, it’s naturally sweet but it’s much more than your run-of-the-mill rooibos taste.
This one surprised me and I ended up liking it quite a bit more than I thought I would.
If you would like to learn more about Kapha and Balancing Kapha – check this out:
Of the three mind-body types in Ayurveda, Kapha is the one that is the most steady in energy, temperament and mood. Ayurveda dates back 5,000 years to India, where rishis (sages) codified guidelines for diet and how to treat different diseases.Read more: How to Create Balance Kapha Ayurveda Mind-Body Type | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4495046_create-balance-kapha-ayurveda-mindbody.html#ixzz0zHTq8kph
