Spring brings rebirth to our seasons. It comes as a fresh start after the sometimes long winter. We look forward to it and it begins a season of growth and planting. In this challenging season, I am excited to share with you some new tea tasting with spring blooms.
Before we get started, a couple stories and accolades. First, about the pictures. These pictures are from those early spring strolls that we are all taking these days. The first blooms of spring were captured by three beautiful women – Brenda, Marissa, and my daughter. Thank you for these demonstrations of God’s consistent character and presence in spring.
Secondly, about the teas. I have wanted to get out and sample some new teas. With all of us being at home these days, I have not been able to to this. To my surprise, one day a package arrived at my home. Inside was a sweet note of thanks from my daughter-in-law’s mother, thanking me for taking care of her daughter during a recent illness. What an unnecessary surprise and treat. But inside the box was the best – a selection of teas that I had not had before. I was delighted and blessed. These teas set the basis for this session of tastings.
Many thanks to all these contributions to this latest adventure.
Using the colors of the flowers, I have taken these first blooms and have coupled them with some of my teacups. Along with this, I have paired a new tea for your tasting enjoyment. Let’s take some time to deep breathe and enjoy the walk through God’s beautiful creations. Come along with me for a virtual spring stroll.
Tea Tasting Guidelines
A reminder of the process. Let’s use the tea tasting guidelines that were posted some time ago. Here’s a refresher.
- Assemble and setup brewing station and table
- Place a small amount of the loose tea in a bowl or plate. Smell the tea and note flavors or scents of the raw tea.
- Steep the tea according to the directions.
- In a fresh cup, pour a portion of tea. Observe the color and the smell of the steeped tea.
- First sip the tea with no additives.
- Then begin with additives –
- Sugar alone
- Milk alone
- Sugar and milk
- Discuss impressions – likes, dislikes, possible pairings with food.
- Repeat process for additional tastings, getting fresh cups and pot
Click here for a copy of your Tea Tasting Guidelines for the Daily Enthusiast
Here’s the previous post https://teastheseason3.com/tea-tasting-2-the-adventure-continues/
Let’s taste…..
Blueberry Black Tea
Our first selection is a reflection of blues. This is Blueberry Black Tea. This tea is from Yunnan China and is a mix of black tea and blueberries. You can see and smell the blueberries in the loose tea. When this tea is steeped, it takes on a very light hue of blue within the black tea. The first smell of the steeped tea is definitely blueberry, the taste as well but is subtle. With a little sugar added, the blueberry taste is definitely accentuated. With milk, I felt it dulled the flavor – and the color was a purple gray. I would enjoy this tea again, using a small amount of sugar to enhance the blueberry flavor. Steep this tea for 3-5 minutes.
The Blueberry Black Tea was served in Greystone teapot by Johnson Brothers and enjoyed in a teacup by Hidone – Blueberry made in Japan.
Lemon Drop Mate
This tasting was for Lemon Drop Mate, a white tea that has been infused with lemon and combined with Macha. The loose leaf tea has a gorgeous grassy look and a light citrus smell. The steeped tea has a delicate lemon taste with almost a mint-like flavor and has this beautiful light amber color. You can taste the Macha and its very pleasant to the tea. I actually enjoyed this plain or with sugar and milk. When I tried the sugar alone, it was too sweet and almost tasted like a candy – for me too much. I will have this tea again – it was surprisingly delightful. Steep this tea for 3 minutes.
The Lemon Drop Mate was served in a Furio Home teapot and enjoyed in Hautschenreuther Selb Bavaria Favorite teacup.
Raspberry Pink Champagne
This Raspberry Pink Champagne is a white tea with the taste of raspberries and a slight fizz of champagne. The tea was accompanied by a Raspberry Champagne sugar. The loose leaf tea is a large lighter green leaf and is rough cut. There is a light hint of raspberry in the smell. Without any additive, the flavor is gentle and very mellow. With a little sugar, the flavor of the raspberries is stronger. Using the Raspberry Champagne sugar was a fun addition and definitely rounded out the flavor. Milk again for me seemed to mellow out the flavor too much. My daughter-in-law found it enjoyable. I have not been a fan of white teas, but I would definitely drink this again. It was delightful. Steep this tea for 3 minutes and yields a beautiful light amber color.
The Raspberry Champagne tea was served in an Old Amsterdam teapot and enjoyed in English Castle Staffordshire – floral pattern teacup.
Rooibos Chai
I absolutely love Rooibos teas and this one did not disappoint. This was Rooibos Chai. All the spices of Chai with the tastes of Rooibos. The loose leaf has a spicy fragrance and a beautiful mix of whole spices. The steeped tea had that familiar Chai fragrance along with the dark auburn that Rooibos teas have. It was beautiful. The first taste is clear with the spices but not over powering at all. With a little sugar added, the spices became very clear. A little milk, and it was a delicious blend with a nice creaminess. My recommendation is actually with, without sugar and / or milk. I did receive some Chai Sugar, for me it was a little too sweet and masked the Rooibos flavor. This is definitely one that I will continue to enjoy. And since there is no caffeine in a Rooibos tea, you can enjoy this anytime of the day or evening. Steeping time for this tea is 5 minutes.
Chair Rooibos as served with a hand glazed English Cordon Bleu BIA pot and enjoyed in a vintage Rosina teacup.
Berry White
This last tea is called Berry White. This is another white tea blend that includes a mix of natural berries – blueberries, raspberries, schizandra berries, strawberries, and hibiscus. Natural flavors of lychee and plums were also present with some jasmine. The loose leaf tea was a beautiful painting of all the berries. Raspberry and strawberry were the prominent fragrance. Once steeped, it yielded a berry colored tea that was reflective of the many combinations adn paired beautifully with the china. Even though it had a somewhat astringent character, the tea was delicious on its own. An addition of a little sugar was okay, it really wasn’t needed for this tea. And no milk. This tea was able to be enjoyed on its own. I will have this tea again and would serve it for a dessert phase of an afternoon tea. This tea is steeped for 6 minutes.
Berry White Mitterteich Bavaria Violet teacup / Japanese bone china
Though our stroll is done, the seasons will continue…the times will change and we can be grateful that the desert once again yields to spring. Did you have a favorite? I hope that this brings you some comforting reflections and reassurance of hope.
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. Isaiah 35:1
Credits and accolades….
The teas used in this post came from The Spice and Tea Exchange https://www.spiceandtea.com/ Check it out – I am sure you will enjoy it!
The gorgeous cozies were designed and sewn by my sister. Previously highlighted in this post Cozy Up To A Warm Cup of Tea https://teastheseason3.com/cozy-up-to-a-warm-cup-of-tea/
60 Comments
Laura Lee
I’m not a coffee drinker and prefer tea, but OMGosh! I’ve never heard of some of these! Pink champagne?! Lemon drop?! I definitely need to visit our local tea room! And, I love seeing all the teas served in pretty little tea cups.
Beth
Hi Laura Lee – Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I was delighted to try some new teas. I have a tendency just to grab the ones I have or am used to. So this was fun and I actually enjoyed all of them. Feels like time to go shopping.
Barbara
Beautiful! Very uplifting during this crazy time. I had never heard of Raspberry Champagne Sugar.
Did you make this yourself? If so, can you expand on how you made that. I am guessing you could
do that with different flavors. It has made me want to do a tasting. Loved it all.
Beth
Hi Barbara – Thanks for your comments. No – I didn’t make the sugar and both the tea and the sugar contained something that would give it a little fizziness. But I am sure you could easily flavor sugars with herbs. Hope you can do a tasting and enjoy!
Hillari
Oh my goodness – all of your teas sound delicious!! Your images make them even more lust-worthy. The blueberry black tea and lemon drop mate sound so soothing!
Beth
Hi Hillari – Thank you so much for your comments. I was very pleased with the teas and though, not a big fan of the white teas I absolutely came away with some new favorites, so I was delighted. The Lemon Drop Mate in particular surprised me – very refreshing and settling for sure. Thanks!
Linda Egeler
I must admit, I am not a tea person. But your Raspberry Champagne tea just may nudge me out of my comfort zone. I love the way you paired the infusions with beautiful tea cups!
Beth
Hi Linda – thanks so much for your comments. Well kind of like me and white teas – but these did change my mind. Hope you have a chance to enjoy. Thanks.
Diane Kurzava
I love tea and drink Rooibus all the time! It is so incredibly smooth. However, I love all the options you’ve chosen and can’t decide what I want to try next. Your pictures are always so beautiful too!
Beth
Hi Diane – Thanks so much for your comments. Yes, I love Rooibos as well. I have a Georgia Peach that is a favorite of mine. The Chai was delicious and smooth. Thanks!
Lee Anne
Wow! They all sound excellent. I want to try the Raspberry Pink Champagne!
Beth
Hi Lee Anne – Thanks so much for your comments. The Raspberry Pink Champagne seems to have captured most of the readers so far. Yes, it was delicious for sure.
Sara - Seek Discover Learn
There’s a local tea parlor near me and I love going there with my kids so that we can sample all of the different teas. They bring out a separate tea kettle for each person, so if there’s a group of us we can easily sample several different flavors. Sampling tea is something fun and enjoyable that can be shared with family during this time at home. If you’re looking for new flavors to try, you should check out the tea parlor near me. It’s called Sisters Tea Parlor in Buckner, KY. They have a website. Our favorite tea is Almond Cookies.
Beth
Hi Sara – thanks for your feedback and comments. I love tasting new teas, smelling them and sampling. I will absolutely look into the Sisters Tea Parlor and the Almond Cookie. Sounds amazing. Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Debbie
Great ideas for some new teas to try!
Beth
Hi Debbie – Thanks for your comment. Yes, I felt like I was needing to branch out and this little gift box provided the perfect fix. Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Carrie Cochran
This is such a fun idea for a blog! I like tea, but I never seem to sweeten it correctly; I appreciated your comments on which sweetener combinations to use to bring out the best flavors. And also, your china is absolutely gorgeous! I love the beautiful picture you included with each recipe–so creative!
Beth
Hi Carrie – Thanks so much for your comments. I appreciate it. Well, these are just my opinions but hope that it encourages you to give it a try. It has helped me to smell the loose leaf before, smell and taste before I sweeten and then go for it. Glad that was helpful to you. When I was a little girl it was more about lots of sugar cubes and milk. As I have gotten older, my tastes have changed and it helps me enjoy the tea more. Thanks again and have fun.
Kirsten
Your tea sets and teas are so pretty! I love that you matched them with real flowers!
Beth
Hi Kirsten – thanks so much for your comment. It was fun and pretty easy to match them. Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Tricia Snow
Wow! I never thought of pairing tea with food! So much great information!
Beth
Hi Tricia – Yes, you can pair tea with food much like you pair wine with food. It can enhance what you are eating. And really, I also choose what I like as well. Thanks for your comment and enjoy!
Eva Keller
This would be a fun way to pass the afternoon. I love all different kinds of teas and doing an actual tea tasting would be really fun. I enjoy wine tasting so I’m sure I would enjoy this.
Beth
Hi Eva – Yes, I actually do the tastings with my daughter-in-law or other family members. And I am a wine person as well – know my teas better than wines…but definitely enjoy both. I have also done virtual tastings, especially now and that has been fun as well. Its simple – download the instructions and you’re ready to go. Enjoy! Thanks for your comments.
Lisa Manderino
I love looking at all the beautiful china. So gorgeous!
Beth
Hi Lisa – Thank you so much for your comment. Glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes, this was fun to put together for sure. Thanks.
Holly
Beth, this is amazing! What a great way to celebrate spring and try some teas I have never heard of! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing suggestions!
Beth
Hi Holly – Thanks so much for your comments. I really appreciate them. And it was my pleasure. Friends of mine and my daughter took the pictures. The one in California was a hike we did a year ago and it looked just like that. It was absolutely beautiful. Pairing the teas and cups just seemed like an easy and intriguing fit. Thanks again!
Kendra
So pretty! I would have never thought to pair the tea with the tea set! So elegant! My fave is the Yellow setting with Lemon Drop Mate Tea!
Beth
Hi Kendra – That is one of my favorites as well. I actually took the California hike with my daughter and it was just that beautiful. The tea fit the scene. Thanks so much for your comments. Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Shirley
Thank you for this post!!! I have been trying to come up with an gift idea to send my sister-in-law. Now I know what to send. Tea!! Thanks for the wonderful descriptions of the teas, and the website. I really love the photos of the tea pots and tea cups.
Beth
Hi Shirley – So glad that the post was enjoyable and helpful to you. Yes I have gifted teas from this site and others. There are also “Tea of the Month” clubs that are nice gifts and give a wide range of selections. Appreciate your comments and feedback. Enjoy! Thanks.
Rachel
Wow this is so beautiful and elegant. You have some great ideas
Beth
Hi Rachel – Thanks for your comments. Glad that you found this enjoyable.
Santana
I don’t care for tea, but my mom and grandparents drink it. I will have to pass this along to them. Maybe they would like to try something new.
Beth
Hi Santana – Thanks for your comments and completely understand, though I am admittedly an equal opportunity drinker of both tea and coffee. Thanks for forwarding.
Cindy
How fun, to virtually experience new teas! And I love all your teapots and saucers. So pretty!
Beth
Hi Cindy – Thanks so much for your comments. Well, hoping it brought some fun into people’s lives at this point. I kind of enjoy all the teapots and teacups as well – ha!
Charlene
I love teas! Thanks for sharing some new ones!
Beth
Hi Charlene – So glad to have been able to share some new ones with you. They were new to me as well. Thanks for your comments and hope you are able to enjoy some new brews!
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
The world of tea is a big one. Thank you for taking me on the journey with flowers to boot 🙂
Beth
Hi Suzan – Thanks for your comment. Yes it is and very diverse. Always interesting to learn new teas along the way.
Maria Gustafsson
I just thought that it was so lovely that just as you were longing to try something new, this little package shows up in the mail. Timing is everything.
Beth
Hi Maria – Thanks for your comment. Yes, I think it was absolutely time for me to get the package. Was delighted with it – and the timing. Thanks.
Sandi
Your photography is lovely. What a special thank you gift.
Beth
Hi Sandi – Thank you so much for your comment. Yes, the gift was really touching to me on so many fronts. Thanks!
Jen
I’ve recently started drinking more tea to try and curb my sweet tooth. Many of these – the blueberry and raspberry champagne sound absolutely delightful. I’m going to be on the lookout for these now.
Beth
Hi Jen – I have used another raspberry tea just for that reason – to curb my sweet tooth. If you are into Rooibos, try Lemon Souffle. Its has a creamy taste of a lemon souffle, no caffeine, and helps to curb the sweet tooth. Thanks for your comments and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Tiffany
Lemon drop sounds like something I would be interested in trying!
Beth
Hi Tiffany – Yes, it surprised me as well. It was quite refreshing. I would absolutely drink this one again. Thanks for your comment.
Lisa
Oh I. want to try the Raspberry Pink Champagne tea.
Beth
Hi Lisa – glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes the Raspberry Pink was very fun and delicious. Thanks for your comment.
Pauline
Rooibus Chai is one of my favorites. I was introduced to Rooibus tea from my high school roommate who was South African.
Beth
Hi Pauline – I absolutely love Rooibos teas as well. The Chai was delicious for sure. One of my favorites is Rooibos Provence and Georgia Peach. Delicious and relaxing teas. Thanks for your comment.
Ruth Iaela-Pukahi
Such pretty pictures and gorgeous tea cups! Berry White is a tea I think I’d like to try. 🙂
Beth
Hi Ruth – Thank you so much for our comment. Yes, the Berry White was delicious…and had so many berries in it. Glad that you enjoyed the post. Thanks.
Laurie Janssen
I just looked at this blog again & absolutely love the fun color coordinating you did with each tea. Makes me want to do the same. Lovely. L
Beth
Hi Laurie – Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, it was a lot of fun coordinating with the flowers and then with the teas. Glad that you enjoyed the post. Thanks!
Gclub
Real informative and wonderful body structure of subject matter,
now that’s user genial (:.
Beth
Glad that you enjoyed the post. Thanks for our comment.