December’s Teas – 2013

Christmas has always been large part of my life. From early childhood I remember it being that one time of year when adults came together in full jovial form. I come from a very happy family, but Christmas always seemed to bring laughter with conversation that filled the room from eggnog brunch to punch bowl twilight. As I entered my adult years, I quickly realized that the eggnog and punch that we drank as kids was not what the adults were drinking. As an ode to innocent memories past, this Christmas season we have created a series of tea cocktail recipes. The top four, as voted by our members can be found at this link, http://goo.gl/lBiPo3.

May this holiday season bring you all the joy and blessings life may offer.

Michael Menashy

Tea Sparrow Family

Sonnentor’s Organic Santa’s Secret

Description: Cinnamon sweet, Christmas citrus spice. No wonder Santa keeps this one a secret. The Perfect stocking stuffer!

Ingredients: Apple pieces, Hibiscus, Rose hip, Cinnamon Ceylon, Pears, Quince, Essential Oils, Organic Orange, Cloves, Vanilla.

Heath Benefits: The phrase “herbal tea” or “tisanes” usually refers to infusions of fruit or herbs made without the tea plant. Regarding their benefits, apart from being the perfect refreshment on hot summer days, they are also packed with vitamin C. So it’s a great way to get your vitamin C without having to eat all the sugars that come with whole fruits.

Michael, “Christmas in a cup. Apple, cinnamon, and spice – perfect for those that are naughty and nice.”

Aromatica’s Nut Crunch Rooibos

Description: This tea is deliciously divine. The green rooibos, fruit pieces and hazelnut crunch make this the perfect seasonal blend. With a dash of milk you have warm apple pie à la mode in a cup.

Ingredients: Green honeybush, green rooibos, apple pieces, raisins, flavor and hazelnut pieces.

Heath Benefits: This incredibly flavoured caffeine-free tea is growing quickly in popularity but did you know that it also contains high amounts of antioxidants? Although the antioxidants found in rooibos tea are different from those in green tea, they are still known to fight off free radicals in the body. Rooibos tea is also known to fight off cardiovascular disease, liver disease and lower blood pressure.

Jenny, “Apple and nuts in a deep rooibos base that drinks like hot chocolate. Love it.”

Florapharm’s Snowflake

Description: A great blend of black tea with almond gives this tea a Marzipan flavour.

Ingredients: Ceylon and China black tea, coconut rasps, natural flavour, almond flakes.

Heath Benefits: Most people don’t realize black tea comes with many of the similar health benefits as green tea, including reduced risk of stroke and heart disease, among many others. As well, black tea is said to increase energy, aid in digestive health and to promote healthy skin and hair. Black tea’s tannins are also great immunity-boosters.

Jenny, “Marzipan rose love. A warm marzipan childhood memory.”

Elmwood Inn’s Cherry Rose Green

Description: Japanese sencha blended with rose petals and cherries – all the flavor and aroma of a spring orchard.

Ingredients: Japanese sencha green tea, rose petals and cherries.

Heath Benefits: By now, the health benefits of green tea have been well-established. Here are just a few of the reasons we love it so much: it’s been shown to fight cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes and stroke and to fight infection. It’s tough to beat that!

Zeta, “Spring time in Japan, cherry blossoms whirl with green tea swirl. Peppy and pretty on the tongue.”

Sonnentor’s Organic Peppermint – Bonus Tea!

Description: The perfect peppermint tea.

Ingredients: Organic Peppermint

Heath Benefits: Did you know that peppermint tea has been used medicinally for centuries? It is known to improve digestive health, reduce headaches, support menstrual health, lower fevers, and reduce inflammation.

Darcy, “Big beautiful dried leaves, mild crisp flavour. Delightful!”

December’s Teas Have Been Delivered, Enjoy!