Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tea Time

We're becoming big fans of tea.  It started slow.  Years ago, we just had a cup or two a year.  Then, we started making and drinking sun tea.  A few years ago, we started making our own version Starbucks' green tea lemonade.  Since then, we've been trying more and more kinds of tea.  Even Yerbe Mate.  I've been hearing more and more about the health benefits of tea.  It's especially enjoyable to drink at this time of year when the weather starts to get a bit chilly.  A hot cup of tea, a cozy couch, and a yarn project are a wonderful way to spend some time.


Our collection of tea grew so big a couple of years ago that I decided to create a tea drawer.  There have been a few times that the amount of tea we had out grew the space of the drawer.  It's quite handy to have it all together in one, easy to view and choose space.


This past year, we've become big fans of Yogi brand tea.  It started with their "Breathe Deep" tea.  The taste is surprising and delicious.  Even more surprising is how well it works to help clear a stuffy head from a cold or allergies.  Since it worked so well, we've tried several of their other medicinal type teas and been equally surprised and happy at how well they have worked.  Just be careful if you use the "Get Regular" tea.  One member of my family tried it and found out that a half a cup would have worked just fine!


I'm trying "Relaxed Mind" this week.  I thought it might be worth a try since life has been so stressful lately.  The box says it helps to balance your mood and nurture creativity.  That sounds good.  I had some yesterday and I felt great.  I'm not sure if the tea had anything to do with it or not but I'm giving it another try today.  I'm not crazy about the flavor of this one but the smell is awesome.  It has sage in it and the scent reminds me of a hike and the smell of sagebrush.  Mmmm.

I like Ruby Red Chai tea from Trader Joe's.  It's super yummy mixed with rice milk (coconut, soy, almond or regular would be fine too) and a teaspoon of raw sugar or honey.  Sooo good and not too sweet.

It's fun to find and try different flavors.  Do you drink tea?  What's your favorite?

7 comments:

judith said...

I like Yerbe Mate, I make mine with a little milk in it, like chai. I think my favorite is a blend of Rooibos tea called Key West Rooibos. The only place I can get it is at a Natural Grocer in Houston. I stock up when I go down there.

Cindie said...

I love teas, so does Sam. I love giving tea parties complete with tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweets. I love going to tea parlors as does Sam, life slows down when 'doing tea' whether out or at home.

I generally stick to decaf since I have a problem wtih caffeine but sometimes I can't resist some of the 'flavors'.

I love the teas from Tea Time Garden, Bonnie used to live here in the NW, she does have a website to order from...which reminds me I need to get an order in. I love her Spinner's Brew which is a really spicy chai, the Ginger Peach Blossom, Honey Sassafras and Jasmine Pear among others. http://teatimegarden.com/

And then there's Oregon Coffee & Tea in Corvallis, OR. A few of my favorites are Decaf Apricot, Decaf Mango, Decaf Vanilla and Cinnamon Orange. http://www.oregoncoffeeandtea.com/
This is a dangerous tea shop to go in - two big walls filled with jars of loose tea with small jars in front with holes in them to give a sniff to each flavor. The first time there I smelled them all - left with a headache, my sinuses were in overload.

Anonymous said...

O yes! I love tea as does my middle son. It is super nice to brew a cup or two to share with someone. It's great that you've dedicated a drawer to your teas, it is nice to see them all laid out like that. I have SO much that it is stashed, really all over the place, lol. I love Jasmine teas and chai's in the winter. We've recently found a Coconut Oolong that is just divine! I shop online at Adagio and Dragon Water Teas and we by Tazo, Yogi, and Celestial Seasonings locally. Thanks for sharing some of your favorites. I am sure you are about to find some more teas to add to your stash as the comments roll in !!
Have a great day!
~Dawn

Benita said...

A trip to Scotland 20 years ago introduced me to hot tea and that has been my "brain juice" of choice since then. My favorite blend is Dragonwell Green and Dragon Pearl, which is a black tea. The benefits of green plus the additional caffeine from the black. Also, I like a blend of Yerba Mate, Oolong and green tea. Very good for you, plus tastes good.

Sandra said...

I'm a pretty basic tea drinker - pekoe and Earl Grey. I do experiment when I find the time, but since I'm much more of a coffee drinker, I don't spend a lot of time on it. I do drink tea at work sor one simple reason. WHen I get busy, it gts cold. I cannot drink cold coffee, but cold tea is just fine!

roxie said...

Tea is my beverage of choice. I love Earl Grey with a shot of Torani orange syrup in it. Also good is oolong wit raspberry and milk. When I want to "play ladies" I fix a nice big pot of rose congu.

Now you need a collection of tea cozies. Two layers of quilting will keep the tea hot till you drain the pot. Or two layers of knitting will do quite swell. You can go wild and crazy with tea cozies.

life in red shoes said...

My husbands mother drank tea nonstop, and now he likes a cup of green tea on a cold night.
My favorite is hard to get here in the states. It's.....I just got up and walked to the pantry, I must really like you :) By Twinings, A Moment Of Calm, perfect right?
It's a blend of chamomille, honey with just a hint of vanilla, lovely stuff.
Luckily I have a friend that travels across the pond twice a year and keeps me supplied.
Guess what? Our very first Trader Joes opened last week!!!!! I'll go check out their selection ;)