January’s Teas – 2013
The year of the Pu-erh is upon Tea Sparrow. Starting in 2009 Pu-erh tea has exploded, establishing itself as the crown jewel of the industry. And rightfully so. For something that smells like a cross between hay and slightly used socks it’s so amazingly tasty. As such every tea blender has scrambled to find the taster’s choice of Pu-erh. That’s totally fine by me, as my 8 year love for Pu-erh has blinded me into thinking that I’m the critic’s choice for discerning which is the best. As such, we have been holding back on introducing Pu-erh blends until we have had a chance to work our way through the blender’s tea catalogues.
This month we kick off the Tea Sparrow’s Pu-erh’s greatest hits, starting with Numi’s Cardamom Pu-erh. They took pole position by not only offering a great quality organic Pu-erh, but also by giving us an innovative blend that complements the tea to its fullest. So if this is your first try of Pu-erh, we are delighted to be the ones to share this magnificent tea with you. Or if you’re an established Pu-erh connoisseur, be prepared to be wowed.
Florapharm’s Earl Grey Vanilla Rooibos
Description: Organic rooibos with the same fragrant bergamot as regular Earl Grey, but with the addition of rich vanilla to round out the profile.
Ingredients: Rooibos, calendula petals, almond slices, vanilla, and bergamot.
Health Benefits: This incredibly flavoured caffeine-free tea is growing quickly in popularity but did you know that it also contains high amounts of antioxidants? Although the antioxidants found in rooibos tea are different from those in green tea, they are still known to fight off free radicals in the body. Rooibos tea is also known to fight off cardiovascular disease, liver disease and lower blood pressure.
Darcy McMurray, Tea Enthusiast: “Light, slightly sweet, with a wonderful clean flavour. The almond and bergamot blend is fantastic.”
Numi’s Organic Jasmine Pearls
Description: The most tender green tea leaves are hand rolled into small pearls and scented with fresh jasmine blossoms. The fragrant flowers are mated five times with the tea according to traditional tea scenting techniques that date back over nine centuries. This high quality jasmine tea from Fujian Province has a sweet aromatic flavor with bright floral notes.
Ingredients: Organic Green tea, Organic jasmine Flowers
Health Benefits: By now, the health benefits of green tea have been well-established. Here are just a few of the reasons we love it so much: it’s been shown to fight cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes and stroke and to fight infection. It’s tough to beat that!
Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast: “A blast of jasmine diamond lightning. I love jasmine tea and this is one of the best I’ve tried.”
Numi’s Organic Cardamom Pu-erh
Description: This luxurious blend of rich Black Pu∙erh tea is enlivened by the spicy and crisp hints of sweet green cardamom. The exotic and aromatic experience of this one-of-a-kind specialty tea is truly an adventure of the senses.
Ingredients: Organic Black Pu-erh Tea, Organic Cardamom
Health Benefits: Pu-erh originates from the Yunnan Province of China and has been coveted for its preventative and curative properties for over 2000 years. Pu-erh tea has been proven to lower cholesterol and to support digestion as well as general well-being and longevity. This tea is said to enhance the “qi,” or life force. So get your kung fu on!
Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family: “This Pu-erh takes pole position. Not only is it a great quality Pu-erh, but it’s also an innovative blend.”
Sonnentor’s Organic Spring Kiss
Descriptions: Mint and licorice with a gentle touch of lemon. Lots of mild flavors balanced so you can taste them all.
Ingredients: Lemongrass, peppermint, raspberry leaf, cardamom, liquorice, cornflowers, roseflowers.
Health Benefits: Lemongrass tea is known to aid in skin health, and to fight inflammation as well as cancer. It is also known for its detoxifying properties. Did you know that peppermint tea has been used medicinally for centuries? It is known to improve digestive health, reduce headaches, support menstrual health, lower fevers, and reduce inflammation.
Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast: “A sunny beautiful, minty liquorice, zing zang up-lifter. Nicely balanced and does not need honey.”