November’s Tea – 2013
Ladies and Gentlemen, are you ready for ‘Round 2’ of the Earl Grey – White Tea Challenge? This month, we have two light heavyweight contenders. Both of these teas came in second place in their respective categories: Rishi Tea’s Earl Grey Supreme and Might Leaf’s White Orchard. We can’t wait to hear what you think. Look for ‘Round 3’ in February’s Tea Box: The Heavy Weights… With autumn’s chill upon us, we thought we would warm things up with Teaja’s Naked Chai, an incredibly smooth spiced herbal chai. For the herbal chai category, this is definitely one of my favourites! And bringing back a classic in the rooibos category: Aromatica’s Vanilla Honeybush. September 2012 was the last time we featured this tea and it was a fan favourite. For as common as vanilla blended with honeybush is, this tea really distinguishes itself with its golden caramel silky taste. Enjoy!
Rishi’s Earl Grey Supreme
Description: A special reserve for Earl Grey lovers, we infuse a smooth liquoring Keemun and a bold flavored Yunnan with 100% natural essential oil pressed from real bergamot citrus fruits. This oddly shaped citrus fruit from Southern Italy is what gives traditional Earl Grey its flowery and sweet citrus aroma. One of our British customers claims this is the best Earl Grey blend ever. What a compliment!
Ingredients: Organic Fair Trade Certified™ black tea and natural essential bergamot oil.
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.
Michael, “The bergamot smell is intoxicating. After steeping, the taste 100% delivers. With a bit of honey and a spot of milk I can’t wake up to anything else.”
Mighty Leaf’s White Orchard Tea
Description: Mouth-watering fruits of melon and peach harmoniously blend with the delicate notes of pure China white tea. Pairs well with fruit, a cream-based dessert or pastry.
Ingredients: White tea, green tea, natural flavours, and flower petals.
Heath Benefits: Because the white tea leaves are virtually undisturbed from their natural state when they are picked, they maintain a higher amount of antioxidants than their cousins, green and black teas. Some other interesting facts about white tea: it helps promote dental health as well as building a stronger immune system.
Zeta, “So light when you drink it, but the after taste is a rich citrus spicy. Love it.”
Aromatica’s Vanilla Honeybush
Description: Smooth aromatic vanilla caramel flavour. Delicious hot or as an iced tea.
Ingredients: Honeybush, natural vanilla flavour, and vanilla bits.
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, “Mellow. Sweet. Gold. ”
Teaja’s Organic Naked Chai
Description: Keep warm this holiday season with what is hands down the best caffeine-free cuppa chai you’ve ever tasted. Cardamom and clove top notes, augmented by ginger and cinnamon, with a faint but delightful aroma of black pepper present in the smooth, fresh finish. This beautiful blend of spices imparts exquisite aroma with impeccable taste.
Ingredients: Organic cardamom, organic cinnamon, organic clove, organic black pepper, and organic ginger.
Heath Benefits: Naturally caffeine-free, this delicious organic blend of warming chai spices freshens breath, aids in digestion, enhances circulation, balances blood sugar, and boosts immune health.
Michael, “So clean and mild, but totally spicy too. Top marks to the blender.”