Dear readers (if there are any):
I apologize for not posting on a more regular basis. I have started a new job (YAY!!!) which limits my posting time to the evenings, and I've been so tired that I eat supper and go to bed pretty soon after that.
I have been drinking an INSANE amount of Le Digestif lately. It really is brilliant. It solves all my digestive woes, and it's all natural so I don't have to rely on drugs. Ginger for the win.
.... That reminds me, I did order a DT Ginger Pu'erh the other day that I WAS going to review. I forgot I still had it in the fridge. I'm a little wary of warming it up now, because it's a week old.... I'll see how it goes.
Also, Phi, I have been thinking about the question you asked me (tea that's bitter like a black tea but with less caffeine that's not simply decaffeinated black tea). I haven't gone through my cupboard to look. Off the top of my head, have you tried Maté or Pu'erh? Also, check out the DT website (David's Tea Menu). On the page for each tea, beside the steeping time, they have a little lightbulb with the amount of caffeine. 0 is caffeine free, 1 is low caffeine, 2 is medium caffeine, and S is stimulant, which I'm assuming means "OMG YUM CAFFEINE!" I don't know about the bitterness, but I know that there is black tea with low caffeine. I find Maté to be pretty bitter. Alas, all of the Matés on the DT website are Stimulants.
Readers, do you have any advice for Phi?
Tuesday 25 September 2012
Monday 17 September 2012
Today's Tea: Le Digestif
Organic Le Digestif from David's Tea
Description: The Ancient Greeks swore by peppermint to relieve stomachaches and (OK, let’s be frank) gas. The Romans used catnip. In India, they’re into fennel seed. In China, ginger has worked for 2000 years. Other traditional remedies include sweet stevia, which reduces stomach acid, and orange peel for bloating. This smooth blend has them all. Try it. It just might do the trick. Caffeine-free.
Ingredients: Organic: catnip, fennel seed, ginger root, peppermint, orange peel, stevia leaf, organic flavouring
(From David's Tea: Le Digestif)
Steph's Thoughts:
This is another staple in my tea cupboard. I've been drinking a lot of this. The ginger helps with stomach upsets, especially when you've had too much to eat, or when you've got the flu. The fennel adds a little bit of zip to the ginger, the peppermint adds, well, peppermint *sticky-outy-tongue face*
I really do love this tea. It was one of the first teas I bought from DT, and I've had to replace my bag twice. The last time I went, I decided, I'm just going to buy a tin.
It really does help with upset stomachs, which says a lot. Any natural remedy works in my books! Stevia is also okay with my new "eating regimen," which is always good. I've had to limit so many foods the last little while that when I'm given a thumbs up, I kinda go a bit nuts. (not TOO much, mind you.)
I like that one can drink this tea with or without sweetener. The stevia adds a HINT of sweetness, but not enough to be overpowering, and not too little to be unnoticed. AND caffeine free, YAY!
Another win, DT. Another win.
Description: The Ancient Greeks swore by peppermint to relieve stomachaches and (OK, let’s be frank) gas. The Romans used catnip. In India, they’re into fennel seed. In China, ginger has worked for 2000 years. Other traditional remedies include sweet stevia, which reduces stomach acid, and orange peel for bloating. This smooth blend has them all. Try it. It just might do the trick. Caffeine-free.
Ingredients: Organic: catnip, fennel seed, ginger root, peppermint, orange peel, stevia leaf, organic flavouring
(From David's Tea: Le Digestif)
Steph's Thoughts:
This is another staple in my tea cupboard. I've been drinking a lot of this. The ginger helps with stomach upsets, especially when you've had too much to eat, or when you've got the flu. The fennel adds a little bit of zip to the ginger, the peppermint adds, well, peppermint *sticky-outy-tongue face*
I really do love this tea. It was one of the first teas I bought from DT, and I've had to replace my bag twice. The last time I went, I decided, I'm just going to buy a tin.
It really does help with upset stomachs, which says a lot. Any natural remedy works in my books! Stevia is also okay with my new "eating regimen," which is always good. I've had to limit so many foods the last little while that when I'm given a thumbs up, I kinda go a bit nuts. (not TOO much, mind you.)
I like that one can drink this tea with or without sweetener. The stevia adds a HINT of sweetness, but not enough to be overpowering, and not too little to be unnoticed. AND caffeine free, YAY!
Another win, DT. Another win.
Thursday 13 September 2012
Today's Tea: Persian Apple
Organic Persian Apple from David's Tea
Description: Apple pie, turning leaves, crackling fires – fall is all about familiar comforts. But it’s also a season for daydreaming. Cozied up in front of the fire with a hot mug of tea and a good book, our minds often wander to adventures in faraway lands. From the first cup of this exotic tea, you’ll find yourself dreaming about the intrigue and romance of ancient Persia. An alluring blend of green tea, apple, pistachios and rose petals, one sip is all it takes to whisk you away.
Ingredients: Organic: Green tea, apple, pistachio, almond, rose petals. With natural and organic flavouring.
Allergens: nuts
(From David's Tea: Organic Persian Apple)
Steph's Thoughts:
This is a nice morning tea. It's sweet enough that it doesn't need sugar. If you like apple but not the spices in apple pie, then this is a good tea. You can definitely taste the rose, but it's not like, "OMG WHAT IS THIS?! EW!" Subtle rose, rather than overwhelming rose. Definitely exotic. It really smells lovely.
It tastes much better warm than it does lukewarm or cold. Personally, I think it could be a little more apple-y. Maybe the other apple teas would satisfy this craving. Big Apple is a white tea/ green tea blend with apples. Mom's Apple Pie is an online exclusive with green tea, apples and cinnamon. I haven't tried either of them, but my friend Carly says that Big Apple is totally made of win. The downside to Big Apple is that because it's a white tea, it's a little more expensive than the others. Also, Big Apple and Mom's Apple Pie both have a medium amount of caffeine (2 on their scale, 35-80 mg/cup, which is still less than coffee), whereas Persian Apple has a low caffeine level (1, 1-35 mg/cup). Because they're green teas, they won't be caffeine free. However, if you're looking for a caffeine free tea, I know David's Tea has a few herbals with apple in them, though they won't be "apple flavoured."
I'd like to try the other apple teas to compare. I'm having tea with Carly on Sunday, so maybe I'll get her to brew me some Big Apple, if she'll share!
Verdict: Not bad. It smells wonderful.
Description: Apple pie, turning leaves, crackling fires – fall is all about familiar comforts. But it’s also a season for daydreaming. Cozied up in front of the fire with a hot mug of tea and a good book, our minds often wander to adventures in faraway lands. From the first cup of this exotic tea, you’ll find yourself dreaming about the intrigue and romance of ancient Persia. An alluring blend of green tea, apple, pistachios and rose petals, one sip is all it takes to whisk you away.
Ingredients: Organic: Green tea, apple, pistachio, almond, rose petals. With natural and organic flavouring.
Allergens: nuts
(From David's Tea: Organic Persian Apple)
Steph's Thoughts:
This is a nice morning tea. It's sweet enough that it doesn't need sugar. If you like apple but not the spices in apple pie, then this is a good tea. You can definitely taste the rose, but it's not like, "OMG WHAT IS THIS?! EW!" Subtle rose, rather than overwhelming rose. Definitely exotic. It really smells lovely.
It tastes much better warm than it does lukewarm or cold. Personally, I think it could be a little more apple-y. Maybe the other apple teas would satisfy this craving. Big Apple is a white tea/ green tea blend with apples. Mom's Apple Pie is an online exclusive with green tea, apples and cinnamon. I haven't tried either of them, but my friend Carly says that Big Apple is totally made of win. The downside to Big Apple is that because it's a white tea, it's a little more expensive than the others. Also, Big Apple and Mom's Apple Pie both have a medium amount of caffeine (2 on their scale, 35-80 mg/cup, which is still less than coffee), whereas Persian Apple has a low caffeine level (1, 1-35 mg/cup). Because they're green teas, they won't be caffeine free. However, if you're looking for a caffeine free tea, I know David's Tea has a few herbals with apple in them, though they won't be "apple flavoured."
I'd like to try the other apple teas to compare. I'm having tea with Carly on Sunday, so maybe I'll get her to brew me some Big Apple, if she'll share!
Verdict: Not bad. It smells wonderful.
Tuesday 11 September 2012
On Amazing Customer Service (And Today's Tea: Oh Canada!)
So, a few weeks ago, I sent David's Tea a note, basically saying, "Hey, you guys are awesome, and you inspired a blog; here's the link, check it out."
They sent me an email back, essentially saying, "Hey, awesome! Which teas can we send you to review?"
And I kind of went, Bwuh???!!! Because I wasn't expecting "free stuff." I was just expecting a generic, "We'll check it out, thanks." That's what I've gotten from most other companies.
BUT David's Tea is no ordinary company. They care about the customer. They reply to feedback, and it's not just a generic email, either or one of those form letters where they generically reply to your comment/feedback/concern. I LOVE that they take customer service seriously.
Anyway. I sent them a list of ones I'd like to try. This was EXTREMELY HARD because, well, I want to try ALL THE TEAS (insert Hyperbole and a Half graphic here). I chose six teas.
Today when I went to get the mail, my tea was in my mailbox!! I can't tell you how loud I squeed about this. I got Assam Banaspaty, Kanpe tea, and Oh Canada (along with 3 mini samples of things I already have).
Description: Looking for a taste of Canada? Try this red rooibos tea. It’s sweetened with (what else?) maple syrup and sprinkled with delicious maple leaf candies. Plus it’s 100% diplomatic (well, caffeine-free) and tastes great in both our official languages. With green rooibos, honeybush, caramel and toffee bits to shake things up. A truly authentic Canadian experience.
Ingredients: South African green and red rooibos, honeybush, caramel bits , toffee bits , candy leaves, artificial and natural flavouring.
Allergens: Dairy, soy and tree nuts
(from David's Tea: Oh Canada!)
Steph's Thoughts:
It looks so cheerful!!!!! When you dump it in the steeper, the little multicoloured candy leaves are like autumn, going "Here I am! I'm here to make you happy!" And then, when you pour water over it, the tea turns a rich reddish-brown colour and it just makes me want to squee. It's earthy. It's ... almost the exact shade of red I want to dye my hair. Seriously though, the tea is happy. (Oh, also, DT has other Happy Teas. I should make a post one day about Happy Teas.....)
Smell: I don't normally like caramel, but this smells like maple syrup, autumn, honeybush tea, and Festival du Voyageur.
First sip: This one doesn't need sugar. The maple and the rooibos blend together so nicely. It's like my mouth is having a Canada Day party (hey, it matches my toenails! - I have Canada flags on my toenails from the Olympics). I mean, you COULD sweeten it. But then it would be like dessert. Also, if you look at the ingredients list, there really is a great deal of sugar actually IN the tea.
Hm. This might make good popsicles. Ooh, Maple Popsicles. How epicly Canadian would that be??
Anyway! This is a good, smooth, after dinner or dessert tea. It's got a nice flavour, and it's pretty.
Because of the amount of sugar in the tea, I think this is going to become a "treat" tea, or a "once in a while" tea, rather than a staple. I'll definitely share this one, though, because it's worth spreading the love.
They sent me an email back, essentially saying, "Hey, awesome! Which teas can we send you to review?"
And I kind of went, Bwuh???!!! Because I wasn't expecting "free stuff." I was just expecting a generic, "We'll check it out, thanks." That's what I've gotten from most other companies.
BUT David's Tea is no ordinary company. They care about the customer. They reply to feedback, and it's not just a generic email, either or one of those form letters where they generically reply to your comment/feedback/concern. I LOVE that they take customer service seriously.
Anyway. I sent them a list of ones I'd like to try. This was EXTREMELY HARD because, well, I want to try ALL THE TEAS (insert Hyperbole and a Half graphic here). I chose six teas.
Today when I went to get the mail, my tea was in my mailbox!! I can't tell you how loud I squeed about this. I got Assam Banaspaty, Kanpe tea, and Oh Canada (along with 3 mini samples of things I already have).
So today's review is Oh Canada!
Description: Looking for a taste of Canada? Try this red rooibos tea. It’s sweetened with (what else?) maple syrup and sprinkled with delicious maple leaf candies. Plus it’s 100% diplomatic (well, caffeine-free) and tastes great in both our official languages. With green rooibos, honeybush, caramel and toffee bits to shake things up. A truly authentic Canadian experience.
Ingredients: South African green and red rooibos, honeybush, caramel bits , toffee bits , candy leaves, artificial and natural flavouring.
Allergens: Dairy, soy and tree nuts
(from David's Tea: Oh Canada!)
Steph's Thoughts:
It looks so cheerful!!!!! When you dump it in the steeper, the little multicoloured candy leaves are like autumn, going "Here I am! I'm here to make you happy!" And then, when you pour water over it, the tea turns a rich reddish-brown colour and it just makes me want to squee. It's earthy. It's ... almost the exact shade of red I want to dye my hair. Seriously though, the tea is happy. (Oh, also, DT has other Happy Teas. I should make a post one day about Happy Teas.....)
Smell: I don't normally like caramel, but this smells like maple syrup, autumn, honeybush tea, and Festival du Voyageur.
First sip: This one doesn't need sugar. The maple and the rooibos blend together so nicely. It's like my mouth is having a Canada Day party (hey, it matches my toenails! - I have Canada flags on my toenails from the Olympics). I mean, you COULD sweeten it. But then it would be like dessert. Also, if you look at the ingredients list, there really is a great deal of sugar actually IN the tea.
Hm. This might make good popsicles. Ooh, Maple Popsicles. How epicly Canadian would that be??
Anyway! This is a good, smooth, after dinner or dessert tea. It's got a nice flavour, and it's pretty.
Because of the amount of sugar in the tea, I think this is going to become a "treat" tea, or a "once in a while" tea, rather than a staple. I'll definitely share this one, though, because it's worth spreading the love.
Friday 7 September 2012
Today's Tea: Banana Nut Bread
Banana Nut Bread from David's Tea
Description: Like all amazing recipes, this one took years to perfect – and it was totally worth the wait. This tea miraculously captures the flavour of freshly-baked banana bread. The taste of real banana slices blends perfectly with almonds and the sweetness of dates and currants. It’s fragrant, with all the warmth of a loaf hot from the oven. As deliciously comforting as mama’s special recipe, but without the calories.
Ingredients: Dates, currants, almonds, banana pieces and slices, artificial flavouring.
Allergens: tree nuts
(From David's Tea: Banana Nut Bread)
Steph's Thoughts:
Here's another tea that came out of left field to knock me into OMG YUM territory. (I don't know why I keep doing this, because David's Tea CONSTANTLY proves me wrong!) I love bananas. I love banana chips. I like banana chocolate chip muffins (or cake). I think ANYTHING ELSE containing bananas is disgusting.
Except this tea. You know why? BECAUSE IT'S NOT SIMULATED BANANA! There are real banana pieces in here. (Trust me, I know. The first thing I did upon opening the package was begin eating the tea. I am not normal, people.) And mixed with all the other stuff, it actually tastes like banana bread. Normally I don't like nuts in my banana bread, but seeing as it's almonds, not walnuts, and it's in liquid form, I'll forgive DT for this oversight. *sticks out tongue*
It looks very weak upon brewing, but it certainly doesn't taste that way. When you smell it, it's got all the fresh-baked banana loaf goodness, and the smell lingers. It's not a bad smell. It's a homey smell. It's an "I'm going to Grandma's house and we're going to have lots and lots of yummy food and YAY I'M LOVED!" smell. At least, that's what it is for me, even though my grandmother rarely baked banana bread. But I think zwieback flavoured tea would be kinda gross. It's the sentiment behind the thing, though. And the sentiment behind this thing is love and om nom nom nom nom.
I really do love the flavour, and I think it's because it's authentic banana rather than chemical banana. Chemical banana is disgusting (think penicillin in child-friendly format). This is not that. I love the fact that David's Tea is a company that really does make you go "Dude, I was so wrong, this is exactly the opposite of bad!." My initial thought of banana tea was "ew what? Bananas in tea? Ew!" I have been proven very, very, very wrong.
Verdict: Another win. (seriously, how do these people keep doing this??)
Description: Like all amazing recipes, this one took years to perfect – and it was totally worth the wait. This tea miraculously captures the flavour of freshly-baked banana bread. The taste of real banana slices blends perfectly with almonds and the sweetness of dates and currants. It’s fragrant, with all the warmth of a loaf hot from the oven. As deliciously comforting as mama’s special recipe, but without the calories.
Ingredients: Dates, currants, almonds, banana pieces and slices, artificial flavouring.
Allergens: tree nuts
(From David's Tea: Banana Nut Bread)
Steph's Thoughts:
Here's another tea that came out of left field to knock me into OMG YUM territory. (I don't know why I keep doing this, because David's Tea CONSTANTLY proves me wrong!) I love bananas. I love banana chips. I like banana chocolate chip muffins (or cake). I think ANYTHING ELSE containing bananas is disgusting.
Except this tea. You know why? BECAUSE IT'S NOT SIMULATED BANANA! There are real banana pieces in here. (Trust me, I know. The first thing I did upon opening the package was begin eating the tea. I am not normal, people.) And mixed with all the other stuff, it actually tastes like banana bread. Normally I don't like nuts in my banana bread, but seeing as it's almonds, not walnuts, and it's in liquid form, I'll forgive DT for this oversight. *sticks out tongue*
It looks very weak upon brewing, but it certainly doesn't taste that way. When you smell it, it's got all the fresh-baked banana loaf goodness, and the smell lingers. It's not a bad smell. It's a homey smell. It's an "I'm going to Grandma's house and we're going to have lots and lots of yummy food and YAY I'M LOVED!" smell. At least, that's what it is for me, even though my grandmother rarely baked banana bread. But I think zwieback flavoured tea would be kinda gross. It's the sentiment behind the thing, though. And the sentiment behind this thing is love and om nom nom nom nom.
I really do love the flavour, and I think it's because it's authentic banana rather than chemical banana. Chemical banana is disgusting (think penicillin in child-friendly format). This is not that. I love the fact that David's Tea is a company that really does make you go "Dude, I was so wrong, this is exactly the opposite of bad!." My initial thought of banana tea was "ew what? Bananas in tea? Ew!" I have been proven very, very, very wrong.
Verdict: Another win. (seriously, how do these people keep doing this??)
Thursday 6 September 2012
Today's Tea: Chocolate Rocket
Chocolate Rocket from David's Tea
Description: Need a boost? Try this tea. First you'll experience a pure, sweet hit of chocolate. Then you’ll find yourself awash in the freshness of raspberries. Followed by the richness of almonds and chicory. And then, bang, you'll realize you've been infused with roasted Brazilian maté. How will you know? It's what's giving you all that crazy energy. Just fly with it.
Ingredients: Roasted Yerba maté (Brasil), cocoa, almonds, roasted chicory root, raspberries, natural and artificial flavouring.
Allergens: Tree nuts
(From David's Tea: Chocolate Rocket)
Steph's Thoughts:
I fell in love with this tea from the first smell. Normally I'm put off a bit by nuts, but the almonds just enhance the flavour. I mean, who can't love raspberries and chocolate??
This isn't the first time I've had this tea. This has become a favourite of mine. Usually I drink this tea with sweetener in it, but today I opted to drink it black. It was (obviously) less sweet than I'm used to, but the aftertaste was amazing. Definitely raspberries and chocolate, but not overwhelmingly so. I think I would add a little bit of sweetener, as it's a little on the bitter side. Don't get me wrong, it's not BAD. Just the opposite, in fact. But in this case, sweetness enhances the flavour, not detracts from it. But like I've said, to each their own.
This is a comfort tea. When I don't know what to drink but want something yummy, this is what I pull out. It tastes amazing hot or cold, though cold it requires a bit more sweetener.
Drinking it without sweetener, the initial sips are tangy and tart, but then the aftertaste is like.... chocolate covered roasted almonds with raspberry in. Like those really expensive 70% cocoa chocolate bars with the raspberry chunks...... But it's considerably lower in calories than a chocolate bar, with all of the flavour. Win? I think so.
Wednesday 5 September 2012
Today's Tea: Toasted Marshmallow
Toasted Marshmallow from David's Tea
Description: Everyone loves a camping trip in the fall. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, hungry bears – ah, the great outdoors. Well, okay, we’ll admit it. We’re only in it for the marshmallows. Nothing beats a freshly toasted marshmallow straight from the campfire. But what if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without going camping? Try this tea. It’s a sweet, toasty black tea blend with cinnamon, brittle and...you guessed it! Mini marshmallows. Now you can enjoy your favourite outdoorsy treat without a hungry bear in sight.
Ingredients: Black tea, marshmallows, brittle pieces, cinnamon, allspice, roasted kukicha green tea, natural flavouring.
Allergens: nuts, not vegan
(From David's Tea: Toasted Marshmallow)
Steph's Thoughts:
This is officially my second cup of this tea, but the first time I've had a chance to review it. I will, however, give you both sets of thoughts.
My initial cup of Toasted Marshmallow was rather disappointing. It tasted more of cinnamon and allspice than it did anything resembling a marshmallow, let alone a gooey, nummy, freshly toasted marshmallow.
This may be a result of several factors:
- I was away from my kitchen all weekend so I couldn't take my tea stash with me, and thought I'd be brilliant by putting "preloaded" teabags each in their own little baggie, then stored in a big bag, and take that with me, since the place where we were going is known for not having great tea. (Red Rose and Green Tea are fine in a pinch, but FOUR DAYS? No thanks.) However, this seems to severely compromise the quality of the tea. Next time I think I'm just going to bring my tea stash along, and to heck with space (and the funny looks from Hubby). I don't really need a different outfit for every day, do I?? (Or shoes to match)
- Also, I had no access to dish soap to wash out my travel mug, so I had to rinse it out between teas in the bathroom sink. While the body is metal, the lid is plastic and it is starting to absorb the flavours of the tea that I've (accidentally) left in the mug too long.... Anybody have any good recipes for a soak that will take the flavour out of the plastic??
My sister in law wasn't impressed either, mostly because of the overwhelming cinnamon and allspice. It tasted more like chai or gingerbread than marshmallow.
I made my second cup of Toasted Marshmallow for breakfast this morning, thinking, "well, if it's as disappointing as the first time, I just won't buy any more of it." I figure I should give new teas several tries before I make up my mind. I opted not to put any sweetener in. I'm glad I didn't, because the second-go-round was exactly the way I expected it to be the first time 'round. Sweet, and tastes like marshmallow, except without all the unbelievable stickiness that is the downside to roasting marshmallows. The brittle pieces make it sweet enough that you don't really need sweetener, which is also the downside to real marshmallows - the overwhelming and all-consuming sweetness that makes you sick to your stomach after, like, four, except they're SO GOOD that you can't stop eating them.... This is a way to enjoy toasted marshmallows without any regrets. Also, I'm pretty sure that even with the actual marshmallows and brittle in the tea, that this tea has less calories than toasted marshmallows. See? It's a win for everyone!
So, if you put the tea FRESH in a teabag (or steeper) and drink it out of a clean mug (rather than an oft-used travel mug that hasn't been washed [but has been rinsed!] in a while), it allows the TRUE flavour to really come out, and it's not nearly as disappointing.
Lesson: Pay attention to how you're brewing your tea, because it really does affect the quality of the taste.
Verdict: When brewed right, a win!
Description: Everyone loves a camping trip in the fall. Fresh air, beautiful scenery, hungry bears – ah, the great outdoors. Well, okay, we’ll admit it. We’re only in it for the marshmallows. Nothing beats a freshly toasted marshmallow straight from the campfire. But what if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without going camping? Try this tea. It’s a sweet, toasty black tea blend with cinnamon, brittle and...you guessed it! Mini marshmallows. Now you can enjoy your favourite outdoorsy treat without a hungry bear in sight.
Ingredients: Black tea, marshmallows, brittle pieces, cinnamon, allspice, roasted kukicha green tea, natural flavouring.
Allergens: nuts, not vegan
(From David's Tea: Toasted Marshmallow)
Steph's Thoughts:
This is officially my second cup of this tea, but the first time I've had a chance to review it. I will, however, give you both sets of thoughts.
My initial cup of Toasted Marshmallow was rather disappointing. It tasted more of cinnamon and allspice than it did anything resembling a marshmallow, let alone a gooey, nummy, freshly toasted marshmallow.
This may be a result of several factors:
- I was away from my kitchen all weekend so I couldn't take my tea stash with me, and thought I'd be brilliant by putting "preloaded" teabags each in their own little baggie, then stored in a big bag, and take that with me, since the place where we were going is known for not having great tea. (Red Rose and Green Tea are fine in a pinch, but FOUR DAYS? No thanks.) However, this seems to severely compromise the quality of the tea. Next time I think I'm just going to bring my tea stash along, and to heck with space (and the funny looks from Hubby). I don't really need a different outfit for every day, do I?? (Or shoes to match)
- Also, I had no access to dish soap to wash out my travel mug, so I had to rinse it out between teas in the bathroom sink. While the body is metal, the lid is plastic and it is starting to absorb the flavours of the tea that I've (accidentally) left in the mug too long.... Anybody have any good recipes for a soak that will take the flavour out of the plastic??
My sister in law wasn't impressed either, mostly because of the overwhelming cinnamon and allspice. It tasted more like chai or gingerbread than marshmallow.
I made my second cup of Toasted Marshmallow for breakfast this morning, thinking, "well, if it's as disappointing as the first time, I just won't buy any more of it." I figure I should give new teas several tries before I make up my mind. I opted not to put any sweetener in. I'm glad I didn't, because the second-go-round was exactly the way I expected it to be the first time 'round. Sweet, and tastes like marshmallow, except without all the unbelievable stickiness that is the downside to roasting marshmallows. The brittle pieces make it sweet enough that you don't really need sweetener, which is also the downside to real marshmallows - the overwhelming and all-consuming sweetness that makes you sick to your stomach after, like, four, except they're SO GOOD that you can't stop eating them.... This is a way to enjoy toasted marshmallows without any regrets. Also, I'm pretty sure that even with the actual marshmallows and brittle in the tea, that this tea has less calories than toasted marshmallows. See? It's a win for everyone!
So, if you put the tea FRESH in a teabag (or steeper) and drink it out of a clean mug (rather than an oft-used travel mug that hasn't been washed [but has been rinsed!] in a while), it allows the TRUE flavour to really come out, and it's not nearly as disappointing.
Lesson: Pay attention to how you're brewing your tea, because it really does affect the quality of the taste.
Verdict: When brewed right, a win!
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