My Herb Garden

Hi! This is CoolCat again, here to tell you about something BRAND NEW in my tea life. I have planted an HERB GARDEN!!! I am so excited -- I have planted some herbs known to be tea-lovers' staples, like chamomile and lavender, and others that I'll brew, just to find out, like thyme and marjoram. Right now my young plants are settling into their new home, and my seeds are cozily down in the seed starter tray. Check back for more updates on CoolCat's terrific HERB GARDEN!

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Guan Yin Tea

My Tea Thoughts:
March 5, 2008
At first glance, it doesn't look like much tea. But add hot water, and this thing EXPANDS!!! As for the flavor of the tea, it is a bit bitter to be my favorite, but it might be excellent as a "tea-party tea" with sugar, cream, and lemon. I'll tell you, when I try this, how it works. Note: After you have had your tea, you can use the leaves again for a second cup! All-in-all, a fairly good tea.

At-a-Glance:

Name: Guan Yin.
Type: Green Tea.
Package: Looseleaf.
Source: China (sorry, that's all I know -- this was a gift.)
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Powerful.

Happy Sipping,
CoolCat

P. S: Wanna post a comment? See my sidebar "How to Post a Comment" for instructions.

Leaf Tips

My Tea Thoughts:

December 3, 2007

This is a neat tea. Under some lights, it is a vivid orange; under others, it is a clear green, as befits a green tea. But who drinks teas for their color? Certainly not me, CoolCat! But this tea is as tasty to drink as it is to look at! It has a full yet gentle traditional tea flavor, and it certainly brings out the best in green tea. This tea is good for the morning, with its gentle flavor.

At-a-Glance:

Name: Leaf Tips.

Type: Green.

Package: Looseleaf.

Source: China (that's all I know. This was a gift.)

Group: Light.

Key Word: Gentle.

Peppermint Herbal

My Tea Thoughts: November 27, 2007

This tea is really a stunner. It has a multitude of well-matched flavor notes. Dark-flavored herbs and maybe some green tea provide a good, solid base for the tea, while strong overtones of cheerful peppermint are not dimmed in the slightest by the temperature at which Peppermint Herbal is served. If you're looking for an excellent tea to give to newcomers to hot tea, maybe this is the Christmas present you're looking for.

At-a-Glance:

Name: Peppermint Herbal.

Type: Herbal.

Package: Paper Tea Bag.

Source: The Bagel Cafe (company is Harney & Sons.)

Group: Dark.

Key Word: Simple.

Ruby Chai

My Tea Thoughts
October 28, 2007
Wowee! This tea is everything a tea should be. With the slightest sip, it slips eagerly into your mouth. It is full and well rounded, thanks to its Rooibos heritage, and although seasoned with spices, it remains gentle and not too bold. This tea has a right to be called Ruby Chai -- not only is it a glorious, pure scarlet, it is just as valuable and dazzling as the jewel itself! The only difference? The price.

At-A-Glance

Name: Ruby Chai.
Type: Herbal.
Package: Mesh Tea Bag.
Source: H-E-B (company is Numi)
Group: Light.
Key Word: Pure.

Essence of French Rose

My Tea Thoughts
September 18, 2007

Oh my gosh! This tea is too amazing for words, almost! Before you even sip it, though it looks brown and plain, it smells like potpourri! When you take a slurp, it tastes like it smells, but with a bit too much bitterness for me. I'm going to get the agave nectar (see my sidebar)....

There. I added one small squirt of agave nectar, and it is so much better! Two thumbs up for this fascinating idea in tea!


At-a-Glance:

Name: Essence of French Rose.
Type: White.
Package: Pyramidal Mesh Bag.
Source: Beauregard House, a store in Rosenberg, Texas.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Unexpected.

Night Night

My Tea Thoughts
August 4, 2007

Night Night is a wonderful herbal with myriad flavor notes, from cranberry to chamomile! Amazingly, this blend is not too busy! It is sweet and appley, like chamomile. This tea's full and round, excelled in that aspect only by Silver Needle. Wow! An excellent evening tea with low caffeine.



At-a-Glance:



Name: Night Night.
Type: Herbal.
Package: Looseleaf.
Source: TeaVana.
Group: Dark.
Key Word: Harmonious.