Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Tulsi & Rooibos
Where to Buy: Fusion Teas
Tisane Description:
A wonderful soothing cup to end a stressful day. The tulsi base calms the stress and has many health benefits that the traditional black tea version does not have. Naturally caffeine free this is especially beneficial as an evening drink.
Taster’s Review:
Normally, I wouldn’t consider a spiced tea to be a “soothing” cup with which to de-stress. But, this truly is a wonderful and soothing cup, just as the description suggests.
The flavors are very calm and gentle. Even the spice notes have their own sense of calmness to them. This is the kind of tisane you want to curl up to on a chilly autumn or winter evening … and it would be especially nice to have on hand when one is feeling under the weather as I am finding it to be quite soothing to my throat. I’m not sick, but I am experiencing my allergies which begin in the late winter/early spring, and they begin with an itchy throat – and I’m finding this to have comforting effect.
Typically, with these orange spice teas/tisanes, they are very heavy on the cinnamon. So, I was surprised (pleasantly so) when the cinnamon was more subtle here, allowing the flavors of the other spices to come through. That is not to say that the cinnamon is not well-pronounced because it is; it just is not the main event. It doesn’t overpower the rest of the spices. Instead, it offers a pleasing warmth that is neither too spicy nor too bland. I like that I can taste each of these spices, as well as a hint of mint from the Tulsi.
The rooibos has a warm, nutty flavor to it. Lightly fruity, it accents the flavor of the orange very nicely. The orange is sweet yet tangy, and I can taste an ever-so-slight apple-y note here as well which serves as more of a sweetness in the distance than anything else.
Overall, this tisane has a mild, delicious flavor that kids as well as adults can enjoy. This is one that I do recommend keeping on hand for when the family has the sniffles – it will bring soothing relief to the aching throats … and it’s much tastier than a cough drop!
Tulsi Pure Leaves from Davidson’s Organics
Tisane Information:
Leaf Type: Tulsi
Where to Buy: Davidson’s Organics
Tisane Description:
Davidson’s Pure Leaves blends three varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama and Vana) to create the perfect balance of buttery and minty flavors.
Ingredients (* organic): Rama tulsi*, Krishna tulsi* and Vana tulsi*.
Learn more about this tisane here.
Taster’s Review:
I’m sure I’ve probably proclaimed this at least once before, but, I’m going to say it again anyway: the more I try Tulsi, the more I like it. It has a such a delightful flavor that is slightly minty and a little spicy and I like the way these two qualities mingle with one another.
This Tulsi “Pure Leaves” from Davidson’s Organics is composed of three different varieties of Tulsi (also called “Holy Basil”), and having previously tried the Rama Tulsi on its own, I think I do prefer this combination. The blend of three has a bit more complexity.
The flavor is savory and sweet, with the scale tipping more toward the savory than the sweet. Hints of mint throughout the sip, and a peppery tingle tickles the tongue in the aftertaste. There is a creaminess to this as well – its almost like butter.
There is a whole lot of flavor in this tisane, and it’s a great way to experience the flavor of Tulsi!
Breakfast Black Tulsi from Shanti Tea
Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black Tea & Tulsi
Where to Buy: Shanti Tea
Product Description:
Tulsi is one of India’s most sacred herbs, an aromatic shrub recognized for its spiritually uplifting and healing properties. This tulsi blend is a great morning tea, combining the strong and malty taste of Asamese black tea with the spicy-minty aroma and flavor of high-quality tulsi.
Tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Holy Basil has been called the “Incomparable One”, the “Queen of Herbs” and “The Elixir of Life.”
Read more about this tea here.
Taster’s Review:
This has to be one of the most interesting and unusual breakfast blends I’ve ever tasted. Interesting, yes … unusual, yes … but also very delicious.
I wasn’t sure exactly what to think of it before I brewed it. I thought that the black tea might overwhelm the Tulsi. But that thought vanished as soon as I walked into the kitchen after the tea finished brewing. The smell of warm, savory spice filled the air. I don’t think I’ve experienced that aroma from Tulsi in any other Tulsi that I’ve brewed, even the straight up Tulsi! Maybe it’s the presence of the Assam that brings out those sassy tones from the Tulsi.
The black tea is – interestingly enough – not the strongest flavor I’m experiencing. The Tulsi is strong and pleasant. It offers hints of mint, basil and a warm, peppery note as well. It’s providing a very arresting kind of spice experience: a crisp, zesty taste of mint, a savory note of basil, and the warm undertone of spice that is quite inviting and comforting.
But all that is not to say that the Assam is overwhelmed here. As if an Assam tea would let such a thing happen! It certainly makes its presence known here, although it has managed to master a graceful subtlety to its approach. It is rich and malty, sure, and provides a strong backdrop of flavor and a fullness to the body that is needed in a good breakfast blend.
Another thing that I’m noticing is a sort of slickness to the texture of the tea. It sort of smoothly, silkily washes over the palate. I like it especially because it seems to buffer any attempts at a strong astringent take over by the Assam. Yes, there is some astringency, but it only alludes to a tangy dryness without seeing it through.
I like this breakfast blend very much – I consider it a MUST TRY for those of you who are looking for something a little different in your early morning tea.
Sweet Lemon Tulsi from Shanti Tea
Tea Type: Herbal Tea (Tulsi Base)
Where To Buy: Shanti Tea
Product Description:
Brand New Offering from Shanti – description not yet available on their website
Tasters Review:
Tulsi’s sure are starting to catch on, here, in the states! As you can see by searching Sororitea Sisters – we enjoy discovering new Tusli offerings, too! Here is another one – from our friends to the North! Sweet Lemon Tulsi from Shanti Tea.
I’ve been on a LEMON kick lately and I don’t just mean in TEA…lemon EVERYTHING!!!!
This is super!!!
This is a wonderfully flavored Tulsi! One I could drink often! I’m thinking it’s probably one of my fave Tulsi’s to date! YUM! It lives up to it’s name…it’s sweet, it’s lemon, and it’s Tulsi…life is good!
100% Organic Tulsi Signature Blend from Davidson’s Tea
Tea Type: Herbal Tea (Tulsi Base)
Where To Buy: Davidson’s Tea
Product Review:
Davidson’s Signature Blend blends three varieties of Tulsi (Krishna, Rama and Vana) with Peppermint, Pepper, Ginger and Cinnamon.
Tasters Review:
We’ve recently made some new friends in the Tea World…the fine people at Davidson’s Tea. We have many more Davidson Tea Reviews on tap so please check back! They have a large selection of bagged teas…my favorite part…they’re ORGANIC!
As for this specific tea – or Tisane, in this case – it’s their 100% Organic Tulsi Signature Blend.
At first I thought this was somewhat relaxing but it does have a kick of spice to it…followed up with a subtle minty finish.
After really trying to pick out the individual ingredients I could taste the Tulsi, Pepper, Ginger, and Peppermint but they worked well together. This signature Tulsi Blend seems to make my mouth water – a nice characteristic considering the ingredient combo! I appreciate the fact there are not one, not two, but, THREE Tulsi’s in this blend! Nicely Done, Davidson’s!!!