I was (and still am) a fan of the TV Show Will & Grace. It used to crack me up when “Karen” used to walk into a room and say things like “You guys know how I’m into Gangster Rap, right?” Well I have been having those kind of moments when it comes to Turmeric the last couple of months. You guys know how I’m into to Turmeric, right? Well, if not…now you know! I just can’t get enough of it. That’s why I was super excited to try Turmeric Chai from Pumeli. I doubt I would have been as excited to try this rooibos had it NOT had Turmeric in it.
Having said that…Turmeric Chai from Pumeli was pretty darn impressive. Pumeli’s website states it’s a ‘warming, caffeine free herbal tea blend of organic & fair trade turmeric, red rooibos, and cinnamon. I will certainly agree with that statement. The aroma is primarily that of red rooibos and cinnamon. The flavor – once infused – is also intensely red rooibos flavor followed by a fair amount of cinnamon. The turmeric was a nice addition. Turmeric is more of a visual ingredient for me rather than a flavor ingredient. Sure it can turn just about anything yellow/orange. But it’s hard to pick out the flavor of it in some cases because it’s more mild. Some people think that Turmeric is a bit bitter and others think it’s more of a ginger flavor which makes sense because it is related to Ginger. But I think it has a flavor all of its own that is hard to describe unless there are large amounts of it in something.
Eventho I don’t think this has an in-your-face Turmeric flavor I would still say that Turmeric Chai from Pumeli makes my taste buds and body happy! It offered more than just your stereotypical red rooibos flavor and that is what I was hoping for! I’m VERY happy with this offering! And if you are looking for a way to increase your turmeric intake this is a great way to do it!
Taking a little side-trip or side-panel from the Turmeric Chai specifically and talking a bit more about Pumeli as a whole…I think this company is really great when it comes to gifts! I can’t say as tho I have seen anything like some of their gift sets before! And here at Sororitea Sisters we LOVE to highlight the UNIQUE. If you take a look at the PURE HARMONY Ayurveda Gift Box from Pumeli you will see that Turmeric Chai is the featured tea/tisane in the box. The box also includes Mullein & Sparrow Cleansing Powder, Soy Blend Candle, Hand Carved Elephant Wood Block, and Recycled Cotton Journal which is tree-free. So if you are looking for GREEN gifts for the environmentally conscience people on your list you are going to want to check out Pumeli!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: Pumeli
Description
- Turmeric Chai :: A warming, caffeine free herbal tea blend of organic & fair trade turmeric, red rooibos and cinnamon
Learn even more about this tea company and what they offer here!
Mountain Chai from BlendBee
I am an incredibly finicky chai drinker. I’ve never been a huge fan of cardamom or cloves and have always found chai spices to be overpowering. Here and there I have found chai blends that I’ve enjoyed and typically I can always make a chai into a latte where the spices are mellowed by the addition of a frothed milk topping- making them more to my tastes.
So when I received the email from BlendBee asking me what blends I wanted this month, I noticed that Mountain Chai was one of their newer blends. One of the wonderful attributes to BlendBee is that if there is an ingredient in a blend that you may not care for, they do their best to accommodate. So I simply responded back to their email with a note asking for the cardamom and cloves to be removed and they happily obliged. Not only that, but they responded back with a few more questions, helping to customize this blend just to my taste. You can’t get better customer service than that.
About a week later, my monthly box arrived with Mountain Chai and one other blend. I prepped my water, grabbed my new squirrel infuser and brewed myself up a cuppa. I could’t wait to try this new customized chai.
Without the heavier spices I was a bit worried that the ginger would take over. But that isn’t the case at all. Each sip starts off with a lovely cinnamon and brown sugar sweetness with a slight ginger twist. The green tea base is the perfect background for this tea, adding a note of buttery smoothness. Each sips ends with that familiar marshmallow root flavor that I adore.
I didn’t even pick up the licorice root that was in the mix, which is unusual for me. I asked my hubby to try the tea and he really liked this blend as well. I see us buying more of this tea soon. We are going to go thru this bag fast! Just the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. I can’t get over how much I’m loving the brown sugar and the additional marshmallow root that was added in for me. This may just be the most perfect chai for my taste buds.
If you haven’t checked out BlendBee, I encourage you to do so. With their fabulous customer service and the ability to custom blend to your own tastes, you really can’t go wrong!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: BlendBee
Description
A mountain of green tea spiced to perfection.
Aromatic Organic Green Tea Chai, inspired by our stunning Sierra Mountains. Designed to warm you up on a crisp day. Perfect brewed with warm milk & honey.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Unboxing October’s Tea Box Express Monthly Box
I have always loved and enjoyed Tea Box Express. In my opinion, this box is one of the better tea monthly subscription boxes you can sign up for. Not only do they curate fresh amazing teas from a vast array of tea companies, but you also receive additional tea related goodies like cookies, tea accessories, and even beauty products. Each monthly is expertly curated providing any tea enthusiasts with a wonderful array of tea fun to enjoy.
It seems like October’s box was curated just for me! This month there was a tea from JusTea, sea salt caramels, a tea to be used for a facial (that can also be steeped up like an herbal), and a lovely wooden spoon.
The tea was brilliant and gave so much love. I actually have started drinking this tea daily and will be sad when the bag is empty. Never having JusTea before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this Mount Kenya Black Tea was smooth, silky, well balanced and so full of flavor. I found myself gulping this tea down cup after cup. Another wonderful reason why Tea Box Express is perfect for any tea enthusiast. You may get a chance to experience teas you may never have thought of trying or had a chance to try as is the case with this tea for me.
My next favorite goodie was the sea salt caramels from Liddabit Sweets. They were insanely gooey with that
sweetness tangled and a hint of salt complimenting the flavor nicely. Unfortunately, these went crazy fast at my house. Between myself, my hubby, and my stepsons, these were gone in just a few days. But I do have plans on picking more up for the holidays. They will make great little add on gifts or stocking stuffers.
I have yet to try the facial steam or even brew the tea up like an herbal. I’m waiting for a time when I can properly pamper myself with a good book and a few minutes where I can just relax.
As for the wooden spoon (also from JusTea) -its a wonderful accessory to have. I’ve enjoyed using it for my impromptu tea parties that I’v been enjoying with this tea box.
All in all, October’s box was perfect. Each piece fits perfectly into my tea drinking itinerary. For the price, you are getting an amazing value and array of treats. I am looking forward to what November’s box will bring!
For all of our readers, Tea Box Express is offering an amazing deal, perfect for the upcoming holidays. Use TEAHAPPY when checking out and this will give you 20% off your box.
Here’s the scoop!
Where to Buy: Tea Box Express
Description
Explore the world of whole leaf tea! Tea Box Express is a monthly box for tea lovers. Every month features different brands and types of tea and interesting accessories.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Spicy Caramel Apple Cinnamon Herbal from Plum Deluxe
Living in the Midwest has spoiled me, you guys. I recently left my full-swing-of-fall homestate for a business trip to Texas, and was shocked when I stepped off the plane and was greeted with a wall of thick humidity the likes of which we hadn’t seen near the Great Lakes for months. You see, the second the first cool breeze and slightly orange-tinged leaf make their first appearances here in September, I’ve busted out my entire (vast– trust me.) collection of scarves, colorful tights, and obviously– autumnal teas 🙂
This limited 
edition autumn blend from Plum Deluxe hit all the necessary checkpoints for a perfect seasonal blend– spicy? Check. Slightly sweet? Yessir. Caramel-y smooth? Done and done. Upon first blend, my cup is evocative of an afternoon in the orchards– the apple notes are present and delightfully smooth. I will say the second steeping loses the apple for me, but the cinnamon remains, and it certai
nly can carry this tea on its own. Whether autumn is in full swing where you are, or you’re sweating it out in the sunshine and greenery, this tea is a great one to carry you through the season!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Rooibos
Where to Buy: Plum Deluxe
Description
Nothing says fall flavor better than apples and cinnamon — and we’re taking it to the next level with the addition of fresh spices and a splash of caramel, to create the perfect tea paired for enjoying freshly harvested foods, carving pumpkins, going on a walk in the fresh autumnal air, or savoring your own special fall moments.
Even better, our spiced caramel apple cinnamon tea only has a pinch of organic rooibos tea as a base, making it caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it as an after dinner treat or a lovely bedtime companion.
This is a limited-edition tea available until Dec 31st, or while supplies last.
All Plum Deluxe teas are hand-blended and infused with love in Portland, Oregon. Each 1 oz tea packet makes 15-20 cups. All organic ingredients — no sulfites, no artificial chemicals, non-GMO.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Midnight Melange Black Tea from Plum Deluxe
Midnight Melange – Midnight Melange – Midnight Melange…say THAT 10 times fast! Midnight Melange is just FUN to say, isn’t it? Midnight Melange Black Tea from Plum Deluxe is also TASTY to sip on, too!
Midnight Melange Black Tea from Plum Deluxe contains Black Tea, Hibiscus, Lemon Peel, Rosehips, Rose Petals, and Vanilla. The black tea base is medium strength. It has a tarty-tang of the hibiscus but I have to say it’s NOT overdone, thankfully! The lemon peel cuts the tart from the hibiscus a bit and I like that. The vanilla prevents it from not being too citrusy or too tart, overall. The rose does seem to give it a hint of floral flavor but it’s underneath and in the background.
Midnight Melange Black Tea from Plum Deluxe DOES brew dark. It smells like a tart black tea with rose which totally makes sense based on the ingredients! The end sip and aftertaste – especially after naturally cooling at room temperature for a while – are that of lemon peel and I absolutely LOVE the way that peel lingers.
I do really like this Midnight Melange Black Tea from Plum Deluxe. If I wanted this for a first-of-the-morning tea to smack me in the face I would love the black tea base to be more prominent but overall it is a nice flavored black. And other companies should take note as to how this specific tea worked with hibiscus! Nicely done…NOT overdone at all…just the way hibiscus SHOULD be but rarely is.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black Tea
Where to Buy: Plum Deluxe
This tea is no longer available but here are teas that are!