Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Guayusa
Where to Buy: Runa
Product Description:
An Amazonian blend of energizing guayusa with full-bodied cinnamon and aromatic lemongrass.
Taster’s Review:
At first sniff, this became a blend I was not too sure about. I mean, I like cinnamon, and I like lemongrass, and I have also really been enjoying the guayusa that I’ve been trying. But what caught me off-guard here was the aroma of the dry leaf. It smelled cinnamon-y, sure, but I think I was expecting more “spice” from it. Perhaps I’ve been a little too spoiled by all the masala chai blends I drink!
Even though the dry leaf fragrance was not quite what I was thinking it would be, I am loving the scent of the brewed tisane. It smells warm and cinnamon-ish, reminding me a bit of cinnamon toast!
And it tastes really good. The cinnamon is strong, but it isn’t that spicy-hot kind of cinnamon taste, this is more of a savory cinnamon: warm, sweet and lightly spiced. The lemongrass comes through like a whisper throughout the sip, showing itself here and there. It is in the finish and aftertaste that the lemongrass takes its moment to shine with a crisp, citrus-y note.
These two flavors are a perfect match with the earthy/vegetative note of the guayusa. The earthy notes of the guayusa play well to the earthy tones of the cinnamon, while the vegetal taste of the guayusa enhance the lemongrass notes. It is a symphony on the palate – very enjoyable, indeed!
Green Tea Chai from Rishi Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Rishi Tea
Product Description:
Green Tea Chai is very uplifting and assertive with a one-of-a-kind, bright green infusion color. This harmonious blend combines pan-fired green tea with ginger, zesty lemongrass and other stimulating botanicals for a well balanced break with tradition. Its spicy undertones and sweet citrus finish provide a delectable diversion from your usual chai.
Taster’s Review:
As I’ve said before, I love chai. And I really like this intriguing take on chai!
While I have tried quite a few green tea based chai blends before, I don’t recall such a fresh, uplifting taste! In fact, if I had not brewed this myself, I wouldn’t have thought this to be a chai at all. That’s not a knock on chai, only to say that this is deliciously different from the typical green chai teas out there.
The lemongrass tastes very bright and refreshing The ginger – which is peppery but not too overpowering – along with the lemongrass create that winning citrus-ginger taste that really stands out in this blend. The cardamom and pepper in this blend are more of afterthoughts. They are there, but, they don’t really stand out too much.
There is a hint of mint in the background, as well as a whisper of licorice. These two ingredients are more of accent ingredients, providing a little bit of complexity to the background without becoming too overbearing.
I do want to mention that I did not brew this according to the steeping parameters provided on the packaging, which called for a stove top preparation, boiling briefly in a combination of milk and water. Because of the lemongrass, I chose instead to steep this the way I would normally steep a flavored green tea, using hot water (but not boiling) and steeping for 3 minutes.
The result is quite flavorful and enjoyable. I do think, after tasting this, that it would stand up well to the milk/water combination, but, without trying it, I do think I would prefer it the way I’m drinking it now. But… as I haven’t tried it… if you have tried it, please comment here! I’d love to hear from you about the results of brewing this stove top!
Amazon Spice Guayusa from Runa available at Mark T. Wendell
Tea Type: Guayusa
Brand Name: Runa
Where to buy: Mark T. Wendell
Product Description:
We are pleased to introduce our customers to the Ecuadorian herb, Guayusa (why-YOU-sah). For thousands of years communities throughout the Amazon have cultivated the guayusa leaf for a natural, delicious source of energy and nutrition. A truly balanced stimulant, guayusa contains caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids to awaken the mind and fortify the body.
Guayusa contains 50% more antioxidants than green tea. With a combined effect of sustained energy, what the indigenous Kichwa people call “mental strength and courage”, guayusa continues to be the center of morning rituals throughout the Amazon. Guayusa’s unique blend of caffeine, theobromine, and theophyline is what facilitates a whole-body feeling of awareness and presence. Every harvest, local farmers hand-pick guayusa leaves from the rich soil under the canopy of the Amazon rainforest. Available from Runa in pyramid teabags, each great tasting flavor is 100% organic, naturally smooth and balanced. With Runa’s focus on fair trade pricing and Amazon reforestation projects, you can feel good about rejuvenating with these unique herbal tea selections.
Cupping guayusa is a discovery of rich flavor and cultural tradition. Pour boiling water over the pyramid tea bag and steep for 4-7 minutes, or longer for a darker brew. Sip slowly and enjoy as you awaken your mind and fortify your body with Runa.
Tasters Review:
Here at SororiTEA Sisters not only do we like to be trendsetters (doesn’t ANY Sorority?) we also like to follow trends! Guayusa has been getting more and more press lately and eventho we cannot claim we are trendsetters on this tisane we gladly admit we are following the trend and think it’s going to be around for quite some time due to it’s health benefits!
This signature blend combines rich, invigorating Guayusa with full-bodied cinnamon and a sweet aromatic lemongrass, in a traditional Amazonian blend.
Here are my findings on this product available at Mark T. Wendell…
This smells a little herbally but it seems to have a SMIDGE of berry aroma hiding somewhere, too. The spices are very subtle and very light. Once infused I can smell the lemongrass and the spice is just underneath the lemon-aroma. The taste is pretty different tho – there is a cinnamon powder type taste paired with the lemongrass on the tongue and that’s on top of the green bean or fresh pea type taste I have been associating with Guayusa. Not bad. Very different from what I expected…but not bad at all!
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!
Meyer Lemon Herbal Tea from Stash Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Herbal Tisane
Where to Buy: Stash Tea
Product Description:
An artfully crafted herbal blend of rosehips, lemongrass, orange peel, hibiscus, Meyer lemon oil and safflower. Meyer lemons are a cross between a lemon and mandarin orange. They are a burst of lemon flavor without the lip-puckering tartness. The juicy lemony taste and fragrant aroma of this tea is a delight any time of day, hot or iced.
Taster’s Review:
I don’t usually get all excited when it comes to herbal blends, particularly bagged herbal blends. But when I found this tea on the Stash website last week, I knew I had to try it! I absolutely adore Meyer Lemons!
Just as the product description above suggests, Meyer Lemons are a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. They look like lemons, and taste a little bit like them too, but they are a bit sweeter. Not quite as pucker-y sour as a regular lemon.
I was a little disappointed to find that this herbal blend contained hibiscus. As I’ve said on many occasions, I’m not real crazy about hibiscus. But here, it’s added well. It adds only a little color and tartness to an already tart blend of Meyer Lemons, lemongrass, and orange peel.
So, yes, this is a tart cup. Quite tart … even pucker-y tart. But, it’s actually an enjoyable tartness because it’s a lemony tartness. I love the way the lemon tastes in this blend – so beautifully bright, like the sunshine! It tastes a bit like Meyer Lemonade! Yum!
Since this is a bit like lemonade, I recommend serving it iced. It is really good hot too (and it’s quite soothing for a sore throat), but I like it better chilled with just a little sugar (or agave nectar if you have it!) If you like Meyer Lemons or are just looking for a deliciously tart tisane – give this one a try. It’s quite refreshing!