Today's Tea: The Spice Is Right

Organic The Spice Is Right from DAVIDsTEA

Description: Is there any flavour combo more comforting than orange and cinnamon? There’s something about it that’s instantly comforting – like warm spice cake or a glass of hot punch. But nostalgia isn’t the only thing giving you that warm fuzzy feeling. Cinnamon is said to have warming properties, and one sip of this spice-laden green tea is all it takes to get that cozy fireside feeling going. Add some sweet orange peel and a zingy hint of chili pepper, and you’ve got a zesty blend that warms you up from the inside out.


Ingredients: Organic: Cinnamon, green tea**, orange peel, cloves, chili pepper. With natural flavouring.
(**Certified Fair Trade)

Caffeine: 1 (Low caffeine)

Brewing Instructions: 1.25 tsp    85°C/185°F 3-4 min

(From DAVIDsTEA: The Spice Is Right)

Steph's Thoughts:

While I was waiting for The Hubby to be finished at the dentist, I wandered into DT (it didn't take much convincing. I basically went with him JUST so I could visit my favourite store). I wanted something warm and soothing but not something I already have. This is getting harder and harder, since I have a LOT of tea. My TeaGuide today suggested The Spice is Right, which is a green tea. I was a little hesitant because GREEN TEA. BUT. When I smelled it, I KNEW. This was what I wanted. This was what my body was yearning for today.

It smells like cinnamon, but not in a cloying way. They've struck the right balance of ALL the spices and flavours. And they use the GOOD cinnamon, not the cheap powdered stuff that people get at the supermarket. I have tasted the difference between good cinnamon and cheap cinnamon. There is NO comparison - cheap cinnamon is gross. Honestly, people, I cannot overemphasize the importance of good quality spices. It may put a dent in my pocketbook, but I will ALWAYS, from now until I'm dead, spring for the GOOD cinnamon. ANYWAY, this tea uses it.

The first sip made my tastebuds sing in delight, and it made the rest of my body go "Yes. This is goodness, this is home. This is what we need. GIVE US MORE, NOW." I like that it doesn't taste like green tea (though it helps that it was PREPARED CORRECTLY).
Also, the chili pepper adds just the right amount of kick. It's not SPICY at all, just... warming. Heartwarming. :P

It reminds me of applesauce. Not the gross, overblended storebought stuff, but homemade applesauce - the kind made with apples that you've picked yourself, then brought home, peeled (and nommed), cut, cooked, mashed and spiced. It reminds me of being in the kitchen with my mom, of learning family cooking secrets, of spending time with one of my favourite people. It reminds me of holiday baking - mountains of cookies and gingerbread cake, and sharing it with friends, neighbours and family. It evokes memories of snuggling with a mug of tea or apple cider beside my mom and reading, or chatting, or just being in silence. My mother is one of my favourite people in the whole world, and as I grow older, I appreciate her more and more. And this tea reminds me of spending time with her. So really, it's perfect.

Here is me and my mother. She is beautiful. (And she will kill me for posting this publicly)

Also, this tea is sweet enough without sweetener. Don't use it. I don't know if it would taste good with a hint of milk or cream. It's almost like a chai, so I would think yes?

Verdict: Instabuy. Homey, yummy, good quality.... Just go buy it. Your body will thank me.

Today's Tea: Soothing Throat Blend

Soothing Throat Blend from Steeps Tea (The Tea Girl)

Description: This beneficial blend contains licorice, fennel, cinnamon, orange peel, ginger, thyme, marshmallow root, mullein, dried lemon juice, cardamom, black peppercorns, and kurkuma. Created for individual wellness and inspired by the early Hindu concept of Ayurveda, meaning the "teaching of life." Licorice has traditionally been used to treat symptoms of the common cold. It acts as a mild anti-imflammatory and expectorant - also a property of the marshmallow root and mullein. Thyme, ginger and fennel relieve sore throats, bronchial problems, laryngitis, fevers and headaches. While cardamom and kurkuma, otherwise known as tumeric, relieve throat and sinus congestion - as well as making our tea a bright and sunny yellow. This aromatic and warming tea will soothe those scratchy throats - the 'Vicks' of tea!

Ingredients:  Licorice, fennel, cinnamon, orange peel, ginger, thyme, marshmallow root, mullein, dried lemon juice, cardamom, black peppercorns, and kurkuma.

Brewing Instructions: (None provided. Since it's an herbal blend, I'm assuming the following:)
1.5 tsp     98°C/208°F     4-7 min

(From SteepsTea: Soothing Throat Blend)

Steph's Thoughts:
I've been sick lately (again... sigh). We visited a friend last night, and upon hearing my nasal, congested tone, immediately put water on to boil. He pulled this tea out of the freezer (which apparently keeps it better), and brewed me a cup.

I was immediately struck by the licorice aroma. It brings to mind very much the aroma of Licorice Twist, from DAVIDsTEA.

It's a little on the sweeter side, so I don't think a lot of sweetener is necessary. I didn't add any, and I usually like my tea sweet. The licorice and fennel definitely come through, as well as something that I can't put my finger on. Maybe it's the marshmallow root.

I was expecting it to be spicy, with the peppercorns and the ginger, but it's not as spicy as one would expect. That's not a bad thing - spicy tea is not my favourite. It's got the right blend of flavour.

One thing that both Austin and I remarked on was how the tea almost immediately soothes the throat and opens the sinuses. Since my sinuses feel like I have a brick in them, that nearly-immediate clearing of my nasal passages was a welcome relief. Now, if only it worked on EARS.

I think that this tea might become part of my cold regimen, which includes saline rinses (I don't have a neti pot yet, but I'm sure I'll get there in the next 10 years.... I just use saline spray, which really does make a HUGE difference) and a lot of tea! (also, Vicks. Ugh, the Vicks.)

Verdict: I CAN BREAAAAAATHE! A must for your medicine cabinet. It'll make colds flee!