I finally found a great place to buy loose tea in Rome. On my last day there. It’s a place called Castroni’s - it’s the international food store of Rome. And they have a lot of tea. So if you’re ever in Rome…

I bought some for the road (well, my stay on a farm in rural Spain…if you’re ever in Spain…). “Frutti del Bosco” which means “fruits of the forest”. Think mixed berries and such.

I’m told by Bea (one of the proprietors of the farm) that one of the ingredients is really high in Vitamin C – which I’ve needed this winter. Perhaps that explains the slightly tangy taste of this tea.

If you’ve read any of my posts before you’ll know that I always mention the color of the tea. This one is a very appealing rich purple/marroon…quite lovely in a white mug. It’s purely herbal so I let the water come to a boil. Then I steeped it for a really long time (I was busy looking at tea kettles on Etsy for my Pinterest board…). Probably more than ten minutes. I would suggest about 10 minutes – you want a lot of flavor, but the last time I steeped it it wasn’t quite so tangy. I actually take this with a bit of sugar (and I usually don’t add sugar). It really plays on the berry taste.

I would recommend this for a nice evening with the dogs wasting time online or reading a good book in front of the fire place (which is what I’m doing!).

My next posts will come from Ireland! Can you say “Irish Breakfast Tea?”

Best,
Mari

I’m usually not a fan of Rooibos. I think that it’s grassy tasting. But consider my opinion changed….

Introducing “Rooibos de Navidad” by Tea Shop of East West Tea Company.

 

 

So I was walking through Barcelona’s Barri Gotic  when a lovely lady offered my a free taste testing of tea. Of course I accepted (and not just because I love tea – Barcelona is cold right now!). The only thing that gave me pause was when I heard “rooibos”, since this is not my favorite. But, I accepted as she motioned into the store and rambled on in Catalan (did you catch the pun?). Anyways, I was going to just smile and nod and move on but then it hit me…la canela, el sabor dulce, la manzana…or in other words, the cinnamon, sweetness, and apple flavors. But it didn’t taste anything like cinnamon spice or such – the flavor combination was subtle and the result was a warm, soothing, and nostaligic tasting delight.

This is a great tea for Christmas.

Problem: this is a European tea company, and the English site is under construction. But if you’re ever in Europe…check it out. Or see if there’s a similar tea at your favorite tea store!

Steeping time (just in case): 5/6 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guess what! I’m sick. I was in Krakow recently (to see Auschwitz – see my thoughts and pics here) and the freezing temperatures killed my immune system. Add that to my already iffy sinus status and add the high smog currently covering Rome and you have a recipe for a cold.

Fortunately, a friend has a remedy.

Drum roll please….

Tada!

It really does warm you up inside. It smells like the holidays, like fresh baked apple pie.

I put my mug of water in the microwave for 2 mins 30 seconds. I don’t recommend microwaving water – it’s always best to use a kettle – but my options are limited. Basically, bring your water to a boil. Let steep as long as you like – I just left my bag in there the whole time. Warning – make sure you use a regular size tea cup, rather than a large one (you know, the kind that doubles as a soup/cereal bowl) because the bag isn’t strong enough to flavor that much water very well. It’s a very weak tea if there’s too much water.

I’m getting my own box of this at the local grocery store. And when I return home I’m sure I’ll be able to find it since its a Lipton tea. It will be sitting right next to my Strawberry Berry tea….

Baci,

Mari

 

Category: Fruit Infusion

It took A LOT for me to bring you this tea review.

Since finding tea in Roma is so spotty, I did some Google research before going out. I thought I had found a place. I knew the street it was supposed to be on, the name, as well as the general way to get there. I found the street (finally). I never found the Bar though. In fact, I accidentally ended up where I started (I knew this because I was suddenly next to the vintage store I had discovered earlier that morning and where I had purchased a pair of shoes – i.e. where I had started).

I decided to do further research and return later. I was supposed to be at Il Gesù, a very famous church in Roma, for a tour at 4PM, so I headed there with my friend. When we got there I really had to go to the bathroom – so I walked down a random alley heading towards a bar and what should be on the side of the door but the words “TEA ROOM.” I got really excited.

Especially when I entered and they actually had a tea selection! Whittington Superior Teas. They in fact had a selection of 40 teas. You can see all the flavors here.

I chose number 27 – Caribbean Paradise. Then I ran to the bathroom.

Upon returning for my tea, I did commit a Roman faux pas – I asked for it “al via” – for the street. I had to get back for the tour. Normally this is a no-no – you either sit or stand at the bar. So I received it in a clear plastic cup – two in fact, one inside of the other for insulation purposes I assume since I still had to hold it at the top so as not to burn my hands.

It was well worth the €2. As you can see from the picture it is supposed to taste of coconut, mango, and some other tropical fruit – it did! Especially the coconut. You could really smell it (awesome smell, very aromatic) but the taste was more of the mango. It was a very lively tea – I think it would have been extremely delicious if it were cold. As it was, it was only a delicious fruit infusion, or tisane (no true tea in it). The next time I’m up near Piazza di Popolo or the Spanish Steps I think I’ll stop in and try another. I’m thinking number 32 or number 7.

By the way. We were at the wrong Il Gesù. Completely wrong end of Via del Corso. They’re offering another tour in December for those who missed it though.

When I think of lemongrass, my mouth waters as I immediately start craving a variety of Thai soups which feature lemongrass as a major flavor, the soups known as Tom Yum.   Although I’ve been a fan of  lemongrass for years and have used it in cooking, I was surprised that I had never heard of it as an herbal tea until recently.

Adagio Teas makes a delicious lemongrass teathat is complex and refreshing.   I found myself drinking 2-3 cups of this tea the very first time I tried it,  this tea is almost addictive.  It tastes and smells like fresh lemongrass that you find in any asian market. I love taking home the stalk and peeling away the tough outer layer, revealing a more tender center and releasing an intense lemony fragrance as I chop through it with a sharp knife.  The tea is reminiscent of fresh lemongrass but more subtle.   If you are looking specifically for a lemon flavored tea, this is quite different.  The lemon flavor is softer and there is definitely an herbal note to it that makes it distinctly lemongrass and not pure lemon.

Fans of thai soups will recognize this flavor and love it.  I even found myself staring into my cup and wondering if I could throw a cup of this tea into some coconut milk and chicken broth and make a quick thai soup out of it.  I rarely have fresh lemongrass just hanging out in my fridge at home.  Hmm.  I will give it a try and if I manage to get it to work, I’ll post the recipe!

 

Like it’s cousin, peppermint, the spearmint plant is known for it’s refreshing bright flavor and it’s soothing effect on an upset stomach.  The difference between the two is that peppermint is more of a pronounced mint flavor while spearmint tastes more… green.  I am not quite sure how else to describe it.    If you prefer spearmint gum to peppermint, then there is a good chance you’ll choose the same way for tea.  However, one can be substituted for the other as they both freshen the breath and aids with digestion.

Adagio Teas has a spearmint tea with nice sized leaves that did not wiggle their way through the metal strainer in my teapot.  For me, that is a huge plus.  I detest tea that has so much powdery tiny bits, you can’t tell what the detritus is in your cup.  Are those leaves?  Are they twigs?  That is one reason why loose leaf tea is worthwhile, you can see exactly what you get.  A teabag prefilled with tea often hides low quality leaves and bits.

Adagio’s spearmint tea expands fantastically as it steeps and as I like my tea strong, I let it brew for a good 10-12 minutes.  Adagio recommends 2 teaspoons per cup and 5-10 minutes of brewing time.  The result of 10+ minutes of brewing is a nice dark golden color in your cup and a smooth minty green flavored tea.  Although peppermint is my usual preference, I wouldn’t turn down a cup of spearmint, it’s softer and grassier sister.

Wild Orange Blossom by Teavana is a light and refreshing herbal tea with tasty chunks of tropical fruits and citrus fruits. With rose petal and hibiscus flowers, this is a pretty tea, too!

I liked this tea hot, but I much prefer it cold. The color is a light and lovely pink and tastes crisp and wonderful over ice. Technically, this is an herbal tea, or a  tisane since there isn’t any true tea leaves from the camillia sinensis plant, but if you ask for it at the store and call it a tea, they’ll know exactly what you mean, so no worries. This tea, and Youthberry from yesterday, were suggested to me the last time I was in the Teavana store in Santa Clara and I’m so glad they did!

As teas go, this isn’t exactly a cheap tea at $6.80/ 2 ounces.  But, I will have to say that I got at least two good steeps from each cup I made.  Also, as you can see in the video, I used a coffee press to make this tea because it does have some rather large “chunks” of fruit.  I didn’t show it on the video, but I actually used the tea in the coffee press twice before throwing it out.  The second steep I let chill on the counter for about an hour and I got a really nice second steep out of it.  So, don’t throw your tea away too soon, be sure and try to see what kind of steep you’ll get the second time around!

Again, Wild Orange Blossom Herbal by Teavana – a nice tea made iced on any hot afternoon!

Imagine the prettiest pink you possibly can. Now, make strawberry berry flavored. Don’t know what that tastes like? Neither did I – then I discovered my new favorite herbal tea. It’s a one of a kind tea in more ways than one.

1.    Most berry teas have a lovely color, but this tea has the prettiest pink-fuchsia-magenta color you will ever see. It’s a loose leaf tea too, so you get the joy of watching the color spread out from the tea ball or spoon in a pretty pink cloud then you get to swirl in around until the whole cup of tea is a pretty pink color. I highly recommend always brewing this in either a white or clear mug to take advantage of the color. I swear, it’s like color therapy.

2.    The smell. Oh, the smell. It’s delicious smelling. Oddly it smells much better and stronger once it’s been brewed, but the smell in the bag is nothing to scoff at.

3.    Yum. If I had to pick one word to describe this tea, that would be it. Or berrylicious. Or makes-me-smile-contentedly (which counts as one word because it’s hyphenated – right?)

4.    No caffeine. I drink this tea in the middle of the day, I drink it at night, I drink it whenever I feel like it. It’s caffeine free because it’s herbal so I don’t have to worry about it keeping me up at night wishing I could have more.

5.    It’s great cold. In fact, I might like it even more cold. When it’s warm it’s soothing and relaxing. When it’s cold it’s light and refreshing. No, I didn’t discover this on purpose. I have the terrible habit of sitting my tea down in another room and forgetting about it, only to rediscover it later, cold. This was a happy accident.

6.    Only downside – it’s only available at one place in the world. Coffee Tea and Tree Leaves on Halstead in Chicago (right across from IHOP). And unfortunately, the store isn’t online. But if you’re ever in Chicago take the Red Line to Addison, walk west to Halstead and walk north a few blocks. It’ll be tucked in on your right. A great fix for a coffee or tea addiction.
There you go – five fantastic reasons to follow the directions in number six to get yourself a cup of this spectacularly colored and delicious tea. Trust me. The color alone is worth it.

Steeping Directions: Herbal Tea, Hottest Water, 5-7 minutes

 

Tealuxe Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Bin #162

I love this tea!  I love the name – Dragon Pearl Jasmine!! What a great name! — Love the smell, love the taste, Love Love Love this tea!!  The moment you pour water over this tea you smell the jasmine in this tea!  This is an incredibly fragrant tea and if you’ve been waiting to try a jasmine tea, wait no longer, go to tealuxe and get some of this tea!

The name “pearl” comes from how this tea is prepared when dried.  Two tea leaves and one bud that’s been infused with jasmine are rolled together and form the “pearl”.

My personal preference for this tea is to just put a couple of teaspoons of the tea into my cup and then pour the water over the tea and let the pearls unfurl and the tea steep.  However, I know that some people don’t like to get tea leaves in their mouth, so you might want to use an infuser if that’s the case.  I linked to some infusers when we talked about Gunpowder tea, so check those out if you need one.

Another thing I found with this tea is that you need to put a couple of teaspoons of tea per cup in order to get a good steep.  The suggestion per the Tealuxe website is 1-2 teaspoons, and I think a good 2 HEAPING teaspoons of tea will be your best bet.  The first time I made this tea I only used one teaspoon and two minutes later my tea still looked like water.  But, after I tossed in another heaping teaspoon of the tea, the buds were able to infuse the water nicely and I got a well rounded cup of tea out of them.

Which brings me to another point: this is not a cheap tea.  Now, I firmly believe you get what you pay for, but at $4 for 10 grams and $20 for 50 grams, this isn’t an inexpensive tea.  In my opinion, it’s worth it, but, as always, your mileage may vary.

Here are the suggested Brewing Methods per the Tealuxe website for Dragon Pearl Jasmine tea:

Amount per cup: 1-2 teaspoons.  (As noted about, I recommend 2 heaping teaspoons for this particular tea.)

Brewing Temperature: 180f

Caffeine: 10-35mg per 8 oz cup  (which seems like a wide range to me, but this is all the info I’ve got at the moment.)

Video Blog!

Tealuxe Peppermint Mate, Bin #205

Mate is an herbal infusion made from the Yerba Mate tree.  The Yerba Mate tree is from South America.  In South America, drinking mate is a symbol of hospitality.  The gourd of the Yerba Mate tree is hollowed out and the tea is placed in the gourd and then circulated among the guests.  Each guest is allowed as much time as they need to finish all the tea in the gourd and then the gourd is refilled and passed to the next guest.  Doesn’t that sound like a wonderful way to welcome guests into your home!  Because what better way is there to welcome guests into your home than to share a cup of tea?

On their website, Tealuxe says this tea will “stimulate the mind and promote healthy living”.  Well, who doesn’t like that!  From my research, mate is a great tea for you if you’re looking for a tea loaded with vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants.  For even more information on Mate tea, go visit www.heavenoftea.com.  They have an excellent in depth explanation of Mate tea.

This Peppermint Mate from Tealuxe.com is a smooth clean tea with really bright fresh notes, almost like what you would get from a green tea.  I would recommend this tea to anyone who likes green tea in the morning, and I also think this tea would go nicely with a late afternoon snack.  Or, if you’re a mom looking for a tea to relax with after work and chill for a few minutes before you get dinner started, this would be a good tea for that, too.

The peppermint isn’t too “loud” in this tea.  I can definitely taste the peppermint, but it doesn’t explode in your mouth and overwhelm the mate.  It’s a very subtle note in the tea and is just crisp and fresh.

Just as an aside, a lot of coffee drinkers like mate teas because of the “nutty” flavors of the tea.  There’s a real depth and body to this tea that coffee drinkers who are looking for a drink with a lot less caffeine than coffee might enjoy, but still enough to give them a bit of a caffeine kick to get them through the afternoon.  Plus, no coffee breath!

Here are the brewing directions for the Tealuxe Peppermint Mate per the website:

Amount per cup: 1-2 teaspoons of tea

Steep time: 5-7 minutes (or to your taste, your might have to play with this one a bit.

Brewing Temperature: 180f

Caffeine 40-65mg per cup

And the video!