We got our first real snow over the weekend and I realized: I am in a serious rut when it comes to my tea consumption. So I am desperate to know: what teas should I buy to get me through the winter? I lean towards low-caf/caffeine free options (yes, even for mornings!) but am open to ideas! Drop the tea on your favorite teas in the comments!
I have some recs for you. It could be a long list, but I will restrain myself to merely three. Our household is particularly fond of these varieties for the distinct characteristics of each. For a more robust, savory experience we use Kukicha twig tea, (from Eden Foods @ edenfoods.com) and our favorite savory for blending with other teas (one bag to one bag) is Numi brand tea called Rooibos (also great alone unblended), and one of our favorite staples that is light and sweet tasting to the palate is Yogi brand Egyptian Licorice. They all blend well with other flavored teas, or as stand-alone. They are all also either caffeine free, or low-caf.
Thanks so much for these Paul! Egyptian Licorice is a staple in my household -- one of the few teas my husband will drink! We've also tried their Mint Licorice which he likes a lot. I have to be in the right mood for a sweet tea like that, but I do love how it's combined with warming spices. And I completely agree that Rooibos is a lovely blend-addition. I love it with vanilla and other spice/fruit additions.
I've never heard of Kukicha, but it sounds delicious! Will definitely have to try. I've heard good things about Eden. Thanks for the recs!
I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I hope that my comments are, if not appropriate to the occasion, they are at least engaging to the sensibilities.
My new favorite is to steep some organic orange or tangerine peel in, or even squeeze a small section of orange, add a choice of mint, cardamon, maybe a hint of cinnamon or licorice. I make a pot at a time. Othrwise, I'm happy with some oolong with 1/2 tsp of maple syrup in the afternoon. Also, I enoy Barry's brand Irish tea.
Your most welcome Allison. Just a further tip. While you are at the Eden Foods site you might look at their whole range of Japanese teas and Machas'. Under their products page in the store drop down page look for the option titled Matcha and Tea selection. They have a whole range of wonderful tea choices to peruse. Our household has tried most of them over the years and they are all highly recommended for alternative tea choices. We came across them decades ago when we had to go on Macrobiotic diets for our respective health issues and found the teas to be a wonderful compliment to the Japanese dietary food practices. We were entirely Macrobiotic for many years, or, as a friend of ours once observed, "Macro psychotic, or enlightenment through protein deprivation".
I was also macrobiotic for many years to heal lifelong asthma -- it worked until it led to other problems, but that's another story. The Eden Foods website not only has all the great teas you mentioned, but it's one of the few places that sells Lotus Root tea which is the best tea for respiratory problems.
Eden Foods sells the dried powder to stir into hot water -- it doesn't have the greatest flavor, but it does open up the lungs. The best is to buy fresh lotus root in Chinatown and make a tea out of that -- it's very delicious.
I have some recs for you. It could be a long list, but I will restrain myself to merely three. Our household is particularly fond of these varieties for the distinct characteristics of each. For a more robust, savory experience we use Kukicha twig tea, (from Eden Foods @ edenfoods.com) and our favorite savory for blending with other teas (one bag to one bag) is Numi brand tea called Rooibos (also great alone unblended), and one of our favorite staples that is light and sweet tasting to the palate is Yogi brand Egyptian Licorice. They all blend well with other flavored teas, or as stand-alone. They are all also either caffeine free, or low-caf.
Thanks so much for these Paul! Egyptian Licorice is a staple in my household -- one of the few teas my husband will drink! We've also tried their Mint Licorice which he likes a lot. I have to be in the right mood for a sweet tea like that, but I do love how it's combined with warming spices. And I completely agree that Rooibos is a lovely blend-addition. I love it with vanilla and other spice/fruit additions.
I've never heard of Kukicha, but it sounds delicious! Will definitely have to try. I've heard good things about Eden. Thanks for the recs!
I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I hope that my comments are, if not appropriate to the occasion, they are at least engaging to the sensibilities.
My new favorite is to steep some organic orange or tangerine peel in, or even squeeze a small section of orange, add a choice of mint, cardamon, maybe a hint of cinnamon or licorice. I make a pot at a time. Othrwise, I'm happy with some oolong with 1/2 tsp of maple syrup in the afternoon. Also, I enoy Barry's brand Irish tea.
Ooooh this sounds delicious! I've had maple in herbal teas, but never an oolong, will have to try!
Your most welcome Allison. Just a further tip. While you are at the Eden Foods site you might look at their whole range of Japanese teas and Machas'. Under their products page in the store drop down page look for the option titled Matcha and Tea selection. They have a whole range of wonderful tea choices to peruse. Our household has tried most of them over the years and they are all highly recommended for alternative tea choices. We came across them decades ago when we had to go on Macrobiotic diets for our respective health issues and found the teas to be a wonderful compliment to the Japanese dietary food practices. We were entirely Macrobiotic for many years, or, as a friend of ours once observed, "Macro psychotic, or enlightenment through protein deprivation".
I was also macrobiotic for many years to heal lifelong asthma -- it worked until it led to other problems, but that's another story. The Eden Foods website not only has all the great teas you mentioned, but it's one of the few places that sells Lotus Root tea which is the best tea for respiratory problems.
I'm not familiar with Lotus Root tea! What does it taste like?
Eden Foods sells the dried powder to stir into hot water -- it doesn't have the greatest flavor, but it does open up the lungs. The best is to buy fresh lotus root in Chinatown and make a tea out of that -- it's very delicious.
Fascinating! Thanks for the tip!