Tea Recipes

Everything You Need for a Patriotic 4th of Tea-ly

July 1, 2023

With the 4th of July just around the corner and the temperatures reaching the 90’s, we are more ready than ever to celebrate. It’s almost time to gather with your family and friends and start the cook out. America loves to celebrate the 4th of July and we love getting into the red, white and blue theme each year! Since we are lovers of tea, we thought we would spice up your typical 4th of July snacks with some tea infused and tea pairings for the holiday.

Hibiscus Iced Tea

Hibiscus tea is a favorite iced tea among many and seems to be sold everywhere these days. It has a beautiful reddish-deep-pink color to it which fits right into the patriotic theme we strive for during the holiday! 4th of July tends to get pretty hot and a tall glass of this iced tea is sure to quench everyone’s thirst! If you want to add a bit more of the theme to this, add frozen blueberries to the pitcher before serving. Not only will this add color but it will keep the tea colder for longer!

Sweet Tea Jello Shots

These Sweet Tea shots are so cute and would make the perfect addition to any cook out celebration or to pass around at your party.

What you’ll need: 1/2 ounce of loose leaf black tea, 1/2 cup of whisky, 4 cups of boiling water, 1 cup of sugar and 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin.

  1. Start by boiling your water. Once boiling, pour the water into a pitcher, then add your black tea and sugar. Stir well.
  2. Let Tea steep for 20 minutes, and strain tea.   Sprinkle the gelatin envelopes over the tea, and let the gelatin bloom for 15 minutes, until completely dissolved.  Stir well, and add Whiskey.  Stir to combine so that tea and gelatin are well mixed.
  3. Line a baking sheet with your shot cups/glasses. Pour the gelatin mixture into the shot glasses.  Place in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Garnish with a lemon wedge, serve, and enjoy!

Iced Tea Popsicles

Is there anything better than a Popsicle on a hot summer day? It’s pretty hard to beat. This iced tea popscile is the perfect treat to have for your Fourth of July! You can get as creative as you want with this recipe and choose whichever tea you want! The recipe below calls for black iced tea but feel free to switch it out for whatever flavor you are feeling that day. These tea popsicles are slightly sweet, infused with lemon and easy to make. You will need popscile molds for these so be sure to order them beforehand! If you are reading this and want to make this the day of, paper cups will work in a pinch!

What you’ll need: 1/2 ounce of black loose leaf tea, 2 cups of cold water (yes, cold!), juice of 1/2 lemon and sugar to taste.

  1. Place the tea and cold water in a bowl and let steep overnight (or for at least 4 hours)
  2. The next day, strain the tea. Stir in the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved. Taste and adjust with a bit more of either or both lemon and sugar to suit your tastes (tip: both flavors will be less apparent when frozen)
  3. Pour the tea into your popsicle molds (or paper cups) and freeze for 1 hour
  4. Let these freeze for at least 3 hours. To release the popsicles from the molds, run the molds under warm water for just the briefest of moments. Then devour!

Charcuterie Board

There is nothing better than a charcuterie board any time of the year. The sweet and salty snacks that fill the board pair perfectly with any tea! To stick with the patriotic theme, try to add as much red white and blue to the board as possible! Here are some ideas for the themed board: raspberries, sausage slices, salami, strawberries, cherries, brie, burrata, gruyere cheeses, blueberries, figs and blackberries.

Cucumber Avocado Tea Sandwiches

Which tea lovers don’t love to snack on finger food? These cucumber avocado sandwiches are so easy to make and incredibly light and refreshing! Inside of these cute sandwiches are:

  • 2 ripe avocados, kept cold in the fridge
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped mint
  • 2 tablespoon fresh chopped dill

For these small sandwiches in particular we suggest using white bread. Although it may not be the healthiest on the shelf, it is that tastiest! To assemble this tasty snack, start by cutting the crust off the bread. Then add your avocado, lemon and salt into a food processor or blender. This will assure that the spread is creamy and smooth! Finely chop your cucumber with a knife and add to the mix. Next, add your mint and dill. Finish by spreading the mixture on to your bread and cutting the bread diagonal twice to create triangles. Plate and enjoy!

Tea Health Benefits

Does Tea Dehydrate You? (It Isn’t What You Think)

January 17, 2023

Tea has been a long-standing favorite worldwide and is packed with powerful nutritional benefits. It’s a major part of the fabric of hundreds of cultures, and a favorite drink for millions to incorporate into their morning routines. However, there’s been one pervasive myth that’s undermined the tea drinking experience for decades – and we’re here to debunk it. 

Does tea dehydrate you?  The answer might not be what you think! 

Does tea dehydrate you? 

The answer is actually very simple, tea does not dehydrate you like people may tell you or the myths you might here. We know, this goes against probably everything you read! Here’s why: While many fitness enthusiasts and working professionals enjoy their daily cuppa, others have come forward warning the general public about the dangers of excessive tea drinking. However, their proof may have been faulty at best. 

Healthline has found that anything past 8 cups of tea per day, or an average of 1,920 mL at one time, may begin to cause dehydration in the body – but any level of dehydration caused by this excessive amount would be negligible. 

The entire reason that dehydration has the potential to occur is the presence of caffeine in tea, which acts like a natural diuretic in the human body. However, the intake amount in tea is exceptionally low, especially when you compare it to many favorite energy drinks or coffee drinks you’re likely to consume in a given month. 

Plus, the health benefits you’re likely to gain from hydrating with your favorite tea (compared to lessened overall hydration if you weren’t drinking tea) outweigh any minor dehydration that you may run into with excessive drinking – at least in most cases. 

So, no: Tea does not dehydrate you, unless you are drinking an excess and absurd amount of black teas in the tens of cups daily.. That means that you’re free to enjoy multiple cups of your favorite blend with no ill-effects: and we’ve got some fantastic suggestions. 

Teas to help reduce dehydration:

If you’re truly worried about dehydration, you’ll want to select teas without caffeine content in them, or generally herbal loose leaf teas. While you won’t be facing any significant (or bad) effects, you may want to avoid the diuretic effect or the jolty “buzz.” 

Here’s our list of some specialty brews to give you all of the benefits while lessening your risk of dehydration: 

1. Sweet Dreams Tea 

Sweet Dreams tea is the perfect drink to reach for if you’re looking to truly destress and decompress, reaching a state of complete bliss. This transformation is made possible with the addition of dried apple chunks, lemon balm essence, fennel, St. John’s Wort, and soothing chamomile – all of which are processed in an organic compliant way for the benefits without the worry. You’ll get a powerful boost of cancer-resistant antioxidants while enjoying a perfect sleepy-time caffeine-free tea, keeping you soothed and ready for some deep restoration and relaxation. 

2. Lemon Ginger Herbal Tea

Looking for a refreshing herbal tea with a big bold flavor and many health benefits? Lemon Ginger Herbal Tea really tantalize your senses, with the refreshing lemongrass notes and the inviting ginger kick, it is truly one of a kind. This tea is made from a flavorful blend of ginger, lemongrass, lemon peel, licorice and spearmint. This tea will definitely not dehydrate you, but rather, will reduce inflammation and relax your senses to calm your busy lifestyle and get some rest.

3. Evening Comfort Herbal Tea 

This tea blend focuses on rejuvenation and calming, and is the perfect blend to enjoy at any time of the day. We craft our Evening Comfort blend with peppermint leaves, lemon peel essence and dried ginger, giving you a refreshing, zingy cup that will hydrate and soothe you without the harsh feeling of a rise and crash. It’s comfort in a cup, formulated with additions that offer powerful antioxidant, anti aging and anti-inflammatory effects. Let this tea work overtime to offer you complete rest and restoration as you end your busy days. There’s no better way to unwind! 

Tea Guides

Cozy Christmas Teas To Savor All Season Long

December 1, 2022

The most wonderful time of the year is here, and we’re here to give you direct insight into your coziest drinks yet! Teas are often the drink of choice to wind down after a busy day celebrating the season or after a hard day at work, pushing on til that long-awaited holiday break. However, they can be enjoyed all day, every day – giving you the perfect thing to reach for whenever you need an extra serving of holiday comfort and joy.

The question is: Which holiday teas are best to sip on during the season? While there aren’t any wrong ways to enjoy your favorite flavors and blends, we do have some great suggestions to help get you in the holiday spirit. Read on for our full list of cozy Christmas tea blends you won’t want to miss as we wrap up the last bit of 2022!

What are the best Christmas teas?

You can make any tea a Christmas tea. Generally, as the weather cools, you’ll want to feel that cozy warmth going down to your toes – which is where warming blends, such as vanilla and cinnamon, come in. There are plenty of other flavors to experiment with that are perfectly matched with the chill and bustle of the season, such as evergreen and spearmint (for energy and cooling), citrus (for warmth, zing, and vigor), and chamomile (for soothing and grounding).

Part of the fun of holiday tea blends is the sense of nostalgia and comfort you can get with each cup. Experiment away – and don’t be afraid to mix and match. You might just find a new flavor you love year-round!

Below are a few of our favorite recommended brews for Christmas teas in 2022. Read on for our full list and links to buy. The time is now to stock up on your favorites!

Vanilla Chai Tea

There’s something so remarkably soothing in vanilla-based chai blends. It’s both grounding and calming, giving you a feeling of presence and comfort with every sip! The flavor comes through remarkably, especially with a loose-leaf vanilla chai tea, allowing each leaf and element to fully release its flavors into your favorite holiday mug.

Our vanilla chai is made up of the classic chai tea inclusions (like bold, rich black tea leaves peppered with cardamom, clove, ginger, and cinnamon) and a few extras. Calendula petals offer a sweet, earthy taste to the otherwise robust blend, and a secondary addition of black and white pepper flakes gives the tea a bolder, brighter flavor and gives you some added health benefits, too. It’s the perfect tea to sip on and get a gentle start to your day or to savor by a fireplace with your favorite cookies and a book.

It’s a great multi-use or year-round tea blend that perfectly captures the spirit of the season…and it makes a great gift, too!

Cinnamon Orange Spice

Snappy, spicy, and richly scented with citrus flavors, our cinnamon orange spice tea blend is the perfect pick-me-up for a late night of holiday gift wrapping or memories by the fire. It’s incredibly tangy and tantalizing, teasing every sense with the sweet-savory aroma of orange zest, South Indian Black Tea, and cloves.

If you love simmer pots, and you also love a healthy dose of caffeine to start your morning off right, than this is the tea for you. Lean into the sweet-scented steam before your first sip – it makes the experience even more magical!

Did we mention the added health benefits? Black tea serves as the base for this tea blend – offering rich anti-inflammatory properties that are perfect for soothing a turn-of-the-season sore throat. It’s also one of the most popular among our Tea Kitchen customers!

Holiday Fruit and Spice Blend

Looking for something that tastes and feels like your favorite Christmas memories? Our Holiday Fruit and Spice Blend tea is the best blend for you – infused with the rich flavors of freshly-harvested cinnamon bark, Indian black tea, and spicy, tangy ginger bits. We’ve also included cranberry pieces for their tangy-sweet flavor, pairing perfectly with the warming elements of the other components of the tea. It cuts through well, offering you a nostalgia that will definitely get you in the mood for a little bit of merriness!

That’s not the only benefit, though! Cranberries are considered to be a superfood, offering extensive anti-cancer benefits and increased immune function.

Stock Up on Holiday Favorites With The Tea Kitchen

Looking to get into the holiday spirit? Taste, try, and immerse yourself in the most nostalgic and comforting flavors yet with the Tea Kitchen’s unique blends. Sip and savor all year round, and enjoy our wide selection of Christmas teas and holiday brews. For more information and to shop our store today, visit our website. We look forward to serving you!

Tea Guides

Tea Spots You Need to Visit in Los Angeles

November 21, 2022

In 1840, the Duchess of Bedford shared her guilty secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, setting a trend that would evolve to become a tradition that we still love to enjoy today. Decadent teas, flutes of Champagne and pretty pastries are a served, while tasty finger foods and potent cocktails company them. This may shock the Duchess of Bedford if she was still here today. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy this experience here in Los Angeles, continue reading.

What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840’s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm. It is composed of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of early Afternoon Tea and were only introduced in the twentieth century! The most common teas that were served during afternoon tea were Earl Grey Tea, Assam Tea and Herbal Chamomile Tea.

Afternoon Tea was initially used as a private social event for women who climbed the upper echelons of society. These receptions could have as many as two hundred guests with an open ‘at home’ invitation to visit between 4pm and 7pm, during which they could come and go as they pleased; this was the genesis of the Afternoon Tea as we know it. Today, Afternoon Tea is usually enjoyed as an occasional indulgence or to celebrate a special event, such as a birthday, a pre-wedding party, or baby shower with a group of friends.

Now that you have the history of Afternoon Tea, we thought you might want to check out a tea room in our backyard of Los Angeles. Here are some cool spots we found just for you.

1. Rose & Blanc Tea Room

Starting at just $38 per person, the Rose & Blanc tea room is a great spot for afternoon tea. They pride themselves on having a serious tea drinking culture with teas from around the world. If you’re looking to pair your teas with delicious bites like their spinach quiche, egg and apple pesto croissant sandwiches, macaroons, scones, and more, this is the spot for you! Right now, they only take reservations on Friday’s and Saturday’s. They tend to book up rather quick so make your reservation in advance!

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

We could not make a list of the best tea spots here in LA without including the iconic Peninsula in Beverly Hills. It doesn’t get any more luxurious than afternoon tea at the Living Room inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills. Prices here are a bit more steep, starting at $115 per person which includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with clotted cream, along with an option for free-flowing champagne by Laurent Perrier. To add to the delicious food and champagne, you will be accompanied by a classical harpist and pianist. How dreamy does that sound?

3. The T Room

The T Room is one of the most affordable options to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in LA. Located in Montrose, the family-run operation offers tea service for $28 that includes lingonberry chicken sandwiches, warm scones, and plenty of pastries. They have a long list of teas to try so you can come back often and try them all!

4. The Wayfarer Downtown Los Angeles

If you’re looking for a tea room that is whimsical and unique, this is your spot. The Alice in Wonderland-themed tea service (yes, you read that right!) is decked out in mood lighting, plush couches, and even has a Zoltar fortune telling machine and vintage pinball game. It’s located in the basement of the Wayfarer hotel and it sure you leave you wanting more! The tea service starts at $45 per person and includes standard sweet and savory offerings. Best of all are the boozy tea infusions, like the Curiouser & Curiouser made with chai tea and rum.

5. Hello Kitty Grand Cafe

This tea spot is located in Orange County which may seem far (LA people, IYKYK) but this spot is worth the drive! Located in a speakeasy-like space hidden behind the Grand Cafe, this is every Hello Kitty lovers dream spot. It’s decked out with plush pink booths and an onslaught of sweets and savories including a smoked salmon sandwich on a pretzel croissant and a goblet of fresh fruit with coconut cream. Tea is priced at $60 per person at this spot. Don’t forget to make a reservation before making the drive out there!

6. Rose Tree Cottage

Sitting just east of LA is the Rose Tree Cottage. The name alone could make us want to give it a try. This tea house is one of the most charming in town. The menu consists of cucumber sandwiches, scones with Devonshire clotted cream, and sticky toffee pudding all served by a suited butler. The dress code here is enforced so be sure to dress up for this one.

You could even check out many of our loose leaf tea collections at The Tea Kitchen and host a little Afternoon Tea Party in the comfort of your own home. With many flavored loose leaf teas or black teas to try out, you could try a few host some friends to a tea party everyone will enjoy!

Tea Recipes

3 Energy drink recipes with tea

November 15, 2022

Because it has a low to moderate quantity of caffeine, tea might provide you with the boost of energy you require when you are feeling lethargic. Additionally, in comparison to other caffeinated beverages such as coffee and energy drinks, tea is a more beneficial option to consume. People who drink caffeinated tea often report that its effects on their energy levels are different from those of other caffeinated beverages. Instead of the high and subsequent crash that is typically associated with energy-boosting beverages, people who drink caffeinated tea often experience a more sustained energizing effect. This is due, in part, to a special chemical called l-theanine, which is found in tea and is responsible for promoting calmness, relaxation, and concentration. People who are attempting to abstain from caffeine completely may find that the constituents in herbal teas, such as peppermint and ginger, nonetheless provide them with the same stimulating and invigorating effects. You can get a surge of energy from tea, but without the negative consequences that energy drinks might have on your body in the long run. Because tea includes theanine, in addition to naturally invigorating you, the burst of energy you get from the caffeine will be more sustained and less jolting. We’re well aware that by now, you understand the significance of tea when it comes to energy but that’s not what this post is about, it’s about three unique energy drink recipes made with tea to give you that extra boost and also make your day a little bit more interesting.

  1. Peach and Ginger Smoothie

Instead of using water as a base for this smoothie, we decided on a peach green tea.

Why use Green Tea? Well, for starters, it has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits. Also, the fact that you can increase energy levels, boost concentration, and even inceease fat burning with green tea, it’s a no brainer given the added taste and health benefits!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup brewed peach green tea cooled
  • 1 cup silk almond milk
  • 1 inch ginger knob peeled and grated
  • 3-4 fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 lemon juice only
  • 2-3 drops vanilla extract

Recipe

  • Put all of the ingredients into the blender, and then process them until you get a beverage that is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the mixture into glass bottles with lids, and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  1. Cherry Lime Energy Drink

This jitter-free energy drink will leave you feeling naturally energized and revitalized. This beverage is stimulating without causing jitters because it is made with cherry rose sencha green tea and does not contain any added sugar. This energy drink consists of only four basic components and has none that are manufactured in a lab.

Cherries with a tart flavor are loaded with vitamin C, which helps the immune system, as well as antioxidants, which aid in the fight against oxidative stress. Cherry polyphenols aid in the maintenance of healthy cells as well as a healthy anti-inflammatory response, making them an excellent choice for promoting muscle recovery following an intense workout.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened tart cherry juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Cherry Rose Sencha Green Tea
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel for garnish
  • Fresh mint for garnish

Recipe

  • To make a refreshing cocktail, fill a tall glass with tart cherry juice, lime juice, and cherry rose sencha green tea. 
  • To dissolve the green tea, stir it. Ice the glass, then fill it with sparkling water, squeeze in some lime juice, and garnish with some fresh mint.
  1. Lime and honey energy drink

A recipe for a revitalizing energy drink with lemon that is high in caffeine and will give you a surge of energy when you don’t feel like drinking coffee. This recipe for a homemade energy drink contains roughly 150 less calories and less than half the sugar of store-bought energy drinks, so it’s a better option for those watching their calorie and sugar intake. The addition of chopped mint to the rim of the glass gives it an extra-refreshing flavor. The leaves of a South American tree are used to make the beverage known as yerba mate tea, which is similar to tea. You can find it in the natural foods area of large supermarkets or in places that specialize in natural foods, along with other types of tea.

Ingredients

  • Yerba Mate loose leaf tea
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Fresh Mint
  • Iced Cubes

Recipe

  • Place water that is boiling in a measuring cup that can withstand the heat. After adding the yerba mate tea, let the mixture steep for five minutes.
  •  Filter out the tea and discard the loose leaves once you have squeezed any excess liquid out of them into the cup. 
  • Sweetener and lemon juice should be stirred in at this point. After adding six ice cubes, give the drink a good swirl until the ice has melted and it has reached the desired temperature.
  •  If you’d like, you can moisten the edge of your serving glass and then coat it with chopped mint. Pour the drink into the glass after additional ice has been added.

We hope these recipes give you an energy boost and you fall in love with our collection of loose leaf tea. Let us know your favorite in the comments below!

Tea Recipes

3 Simple and Delicious Matcha Recipes You’ll Make Over And Over Again!

November 12, 2022

Matcha is a powder that is manufactured from specially grown green tea and is prepared using a traditional Japanese tea-making technique that dates back to the 12th century. In China and Japan, the process of preparing and drinking matcha, as well as serving and drinking it, is considered ceremonial, and the drink itself has gained popularity all over the world. Matcha has been compared to the protein powder used in the world of tea: Smoothies, baked goods, yogurt, and just about anything else you can think of are all wonderful candidates for its incorporation. You’ve probably heard of matcha, a sort of green tea that is pounded into a fine powder and has a flavor described as having hints of earth, spinach, and umami. You are aware that it is said to be beneficial to your health: It is strong in antioxidants, just like traditional green tea (that is, the leaves-in-a-bag type), but because it is a powder, you wind up swallowing the full leaf, and as a result, more nutrients—at least, that is what many people speculate. But what in the world are you supposed to do with it? Matcha is traditionally consumed by adding water that has been brought to a boil and then whisking the mixture with a bamboo whisk until it becomes frothy. However, that is only the beginning of things to come. Matcha has been compared to the protein powder used in the world of tea: Smoothies, baked goods, yogurt, and just about anything else you can think of are all wonderful candidates for its incorporation. In this collection of recipes, we have included a few of our favorite ways to prepare food with matcha, we hope you enjoy making these recipes as much as we do! 

  1. Matcha White Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients:

  • Matcha Powder
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 4 oz white chocolate

Recipe:

  • Sift matcha powder into a double boiler and whisk in 1 tablespoon heavy cream. Add white chocolate and 3 more tablespoons cream. Melt chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring. Remove from heat and cool, stirring periodically, for 15 minutes.
  • Beat remaining heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold the leftover whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture. Cover and refrigerate 4 small dishes for 2 hours.
  • Serve fresh, add whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, or berries.
  1. Matcha Coated Almonds 

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup of almonds
  • 60g dark chocolate
  • 1 tbsp matcha powder

Recipe:

  • Line a baking tray with baking paper. Set aside.
  • You can melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler. If you like, you can temper the chocolate.
  • After adding almonds to chocolate that has been melted, give the mixture a good swirl so that the almonds are evenly coated in chocolate.
  • Spread the almonds out on the prepared baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Take special care to maintain the separation of one component from the others.
  • If you are using tempered chocolate, you should let the chocolate set at room temperature. If you are using chocolate that has not been tempered, allow it to harden in the refrigerator.
  • When the chocolate has cooled and hardened, place the almonds in a container that has a lid and sprinkle the matcha powder on top. Put the lid back on the jar and shake it vigorously until each almond is covered in matcha.
  • Voila, you have a perfectly healthy snack filled with matcha goodness. 
  1. Matcha Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

Recipe:

  • In a dish, combine the chia seeds and the non-dairy milk, making sure to break up any clusters of chia seeds that may have formed. In a second bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and the warm water, and mix until smooth.
  • After thoroughly combining the matcha mixture, maple syrup, and vanilla with the chia seed mixture, place the mixture in the refrigerator to chill for at least two and a half to four hours, or for as long as overnight.
  • When you are ready to have your matcha chia seed pudding, I highly recommend garnishing it with some of your favorite fresh fruit, granola, almonds, or a dollop of non-dairy yogurt. Alternatively, you could also try serving it with a spoonful of chia seed pudding.

We have curated some of our favorite recipes with matcha, which are not only healthy but also really simple and easy to make. We’re hoping you get to try them and fall in love as much as we did! Let us know your favorite in the comments below and share it with a loved one. Give them a push to try a healthy but really yummy match recipe…maybe even this weekend?!

Tea Guides Tea Recipes Types of Tea

3 Teas to Enjoy this Fall

November 9, 2022

Even for people who consider themselves to be tea drinkers all year round and sachet connoisseurs, there is something indisputably special about sipping from a steaming mug during the fall and winter months. It’s possible that the evident connection between cold weather and hot drinks is what causes tea to work its magic on us. In addition to this, one of our favorite things about this time of year is the abundance of delicious tins with flavors that are appropriate for the season. The possibilities range from unique interpretations on some of our most beloved holiday sweets to spices and seasonings that perfectly encapsulate the essence of autumn. 

It’s the most delightful time of the year to be merry and bright! Not the winter holidays; it’s autumn! 

The start of cooler weather is something that we here at The Tea Kitchen couldn’t be happier about. Even while we enjoy passing the warm summer days by the lake or on our front porch with a glass of iced tea in hand, there is nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater and wrapping your hands around a mug of your favorite fall-flavored tea as the temperature begins to drop. A cup of a hot drink is an essential accessory for cold weather attire, such as sweaters, blankets, and rainy days. To get the most out of a cup of tea, you should drink it in the fall. It’s time to switch things up from your usual chamomile and honey infusion and find a new fall-flavored tea that quickly becomes your go-to beverage. We have compiled a list of the most unique tastes of tea to enjoy during the fall season.

  1. Apple Spice Black Tea

Our Apple spice black tea delightfully fresh and sweet, with hints of lovely cinnamon spice. Cinnamon and red wine can be used to create your own Gluwein at home. Apple Cinnamon is a soothing blend of black loose leaf tea that is reminiscent of the autumn season in New England. This tea was made to honor the beauty and flavors of fall, and if you prefer sipping on a glass of warm apple cider, you’re going to absolutely adore this tea. This particular tea is best enjoyed on days and nights that are cool, wet, and cloudy. Apple Cinnamon herbal tea is perfect for cinnamon enthusiasts since it satisfies all of their cravings: double apples, double cinnamon, a touch of rooibos, and a sprinkling of marigold flowers. This tea has a flavor that is truly traditional for the fall season.

  1. Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend

Our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is the perfect tea for this holiday season. A great cup of tea is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day or night, and it also has the added benefit of soothing. A fan favorite throughout the colder months, our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is the ideal beverage to share with your loved ones over the holiday season. This energizing tea is a mixture of select black tea leaves from India, chunks of sweet orange, small bits of tart cranberries, small bits of spicy ginger, and warming cinnamon sticks. It is a concoction that is sure to wake you up. Our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is going to become one of your favorites very fast because of the careful blending that went into it.

  1. Cinnamon Orange Spice

The South Indian black tea, orange peels, cinnamon, and cloves that go into our Cinnamon Orange Spice Tea help give it its signature flavor. This tea’s popularity as a hot beverage as well as an iced beverage can be attributed in part to its enticing aroma, which is accompanied with a pleasant taste that is reminiscent of orange and spices. Even the chilliest winter night can be made more bearable with a cup of this tea, as well as any tropical evening! The zesty and invigorating Cinnamon Orange Spice tea is perfect for a warming pick-me-up first thing in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-upper.

We are ardent believers that tea may be enjoyed throughout the whole year, from calming hot teas in the depths of winter to reviving iced teas in the middle of summer and any season in between. There is, however, nothing that quite hits the spot like a good cup of tea, particularly during the beginning of fall when the temps begin to turn and the leaves change color. We wish you the best of luck in savoring these flavors of autumn while also taking pleasure in the changing of the seasons and everything that October has to offer.

Types of Tea

Best (Non Chamomile) Sleepy Time Teas

November 8, 2022

A better night’s sleep and high-quality sleep have been linked to drinking tea before bed. Given how many Americans experience sleep problems like insomnia, this is fairly important. Additionally, when you spend too much time on screens and don’t get enough exercise, sleep problems might get worse. A warm cup of tea, particularly at the end of a hard day, is said to help soothe the mind, according to some experts. In actuality, the deliberate process of making a cup of tea can also promote relaxation. There is something comforting about having a nice cup of tea before you wind down from the day and get ready for the next. It is impossible to put into words the warmth, affection, and comfort you have after brewing some tea before bed. With the modern world’s distractions, social media, and a hectic lifestyle, we are aware of how difficult it may be to fall asleep, but happily, we have a savior—or rather, a number of saviors. Let’s look at some teas that help you fall asleep; no, chamomile tea is not one of them.

  1. Lavender Earl Grey

The lavender flower’s buds are steeped in water to make lavender tea, which results in a brilliant beverage with a distinctive flavor and aroma. In addition to being frequently consumed as a calming bedtime tea, a recent study suggests that lavender may also help with relaxation and improve the quality of sleep. For instance, a tiny study discovered that women who drank 1 cup (237 mL) of lavender tea every day for 2 weeks after giving birth felt less worn out than a control group. Aromatherapy with lavender is frequently thought to have hypnotic effects, calm moods, and increase mothers’ pleasant feelings for their infants. Lavender earl grey tea effectively reduced the signs of anxiety and despair in older persons, which could lead to insomnia. Another study on 79 college students who complained of having trouble sleeping found that maintaining good sleep hygiene and inhaling lavender enhanced sleep quality.

  1. Evening Comfort

Everybody must benefit from some downtime and relaxation at night! Why not start the kettle and unwind with this special concoction of hand-picked peppermint leaves, chunks of ginger, and lemon peel? After a long day, this herbal nighttime tea can help you relax and regain focus. This herbal blend of mint is naturally caffeine-free and features prominent ginger and lemon aromas. Ideal for cuddling up with on a chilly night. Because it does not contain caffeine, it puts you in a state of relaxation in the first sip and allows you to enjoy some me-time while helping you prepare for an intense day ahead the next morning. Add some evening comfort to your evening, or even your day.

  1. Purifying Tulsi

Ayurvedic Purifying Tulsi Herbal Tea is made of Holy Basil, spearmint, rosehips, lemon myrtle, and linden blossoms. It helps in cleansing your mind and spirit as well as improving the body’s immune system, due to its rich antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. Apart from the fact that it promotes sleep and gives you an utter sense of relaxation, there are numerous health benefits it comes with. The antioxidants in tulsi tea shield cells from the harm done by free radicals, which promote the development and spread of numerous diseases. The adaptogens in this herbal brew, also known as holy basil tea, act as potent anti-stress medications to shield your body from a variety of health issues. 

For many people, having tea at night has become a ritual. It can be quite calming and thoughtful to boil the water, steep the tea, and wait for it to be ready to consume. It makes preparing the tea as calming as drinking it because it helps with relaxing both your mind and body after a hectic day. Ultimately, adding a little bit of tea to your bedtime routine could be helpful to both your sleep and overall health. Herbal teas, like the ones mentioned in this post, are less likely to wake you up in the middle of the night than caffeine-containing teas, and they also won’t keep you up as late. All of these teas have numerous health benefits and if you are someone like us, who needs better sleep, we highly recommend trying some of our other herbal loose leaf tea

Tea Health Benefits

Top 5 Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea 

November 4, 2022

Hibiscus tea has gotten a lot of attention over the past few years, and with good reason – this delicious tropical tea has amazing health benefits and a unique, fruit-like flavor that can blend with nearly any of your favorite tea types. It’s been most famously used in Starbucks’ passion tea blend or Panera’s Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea. It’s also widely available at your local grocery store in standalone form or in a variety of fruit and floral-based flavors. 

Below, we’re exploring the health benefits you can enjoy from hibiscus tea and offering a deeper look inside this tropical tea’s flavor profile. 

Health benefits of hibiscus tea: Is hibiscus tea healthy? 

Hibiscus tea is incredibly healthy, especially in its most basic and unsweetened form. We’ve included the main health benefits of hibiscus tea below: 

1. Lower blood pressure 

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 2 American adults struggle with hypertension – a condition defined by chronic high blood pressure and spikes. This can be fatal and can lead to lifelong complications such as heart failure, stroke, and other cardiac issues. Lowering blood pressure naturally is key to preemptively managing your risk for hypertension or directly addressing the symptoms of the disease. Hibiscus tea can be especially helpful as it promotes your body’s natural ability to regulate blood pressure and stress-induced vascular strain. 

2. Support liver health 

The liver is a vital organ in your body’s health and wellness process, responsible for metabolism, detoxing, and vitamin and mineral storage. The liver can struggle and be less efficient with high-sugar diets or overuse of alcohol, which are both common occurrences in the daily American diet. Hibiscus tea can naturally address liver strain and fatty build-up and support your liver’s overall function for a higher level of health. 

3. Support health and wellness 

With flu and illness becoming more common, finding sources of natural antioxidants is important to support your overall health and wellness. Many people are looking for a more preventative approach and are choosing to turn to natural sources like tea to support their immune systems.

 Hibiscus tea is a natural source of antioxidants that fight against free radical damage in the body. Antioxidants also stimulate and build your immune system and mitigate the risks you may have for fatal diseases and conditions: such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. 

4. Weight loss support 

If you’re looking for help managing your weight loss, hibiscus tea can be a healthier alternative to crash diets and juice cleanses. The anthocyanins and phenolic compounds in the tea’s petals and leaves are key to stimulating your metabolism and regulating your body’s natural weight management processes. It also actively works to reduce fat absorption, offering you the potential for lasting results without any radical dietary changes. 

If you do choose to use hibiscus tea for weight loss support, we recommend doing so under the supervision of a trusted medical professional. They’ll be able to evaluate your specific case and physical needs and help you to determine if hibiscus tea is the right choice for your weight management journey. 

5. Lower cholesterol 

There are two types of cholesterol in the body. Ideally, you’ll want higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein) over LDL – or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. LDL has been known as the “bad” cholesterol, as it can lead to arterial blockages, heart disease, and stroke. If you struggle with high cholesterol, you may need medical intervention from your family physician. They’ll be able to prescribe you medication that can help. 

In addition to medication, addressing cholesterol through diet is a useful secondary supportive measure to take, making your medication experience more effective. Hibiscus tea is known to support lower LDL levels in the body due to its naturally occurring bioactive compounds. Regular drinkers saw improvement in just one month, in one of the most recent approved studies. 

What does hibiscus tea taste like? 

Hibiscus tea tastes naturally sweet, light, and floral, giving way to more rich and tart undertones. Many compare the mouthfeel and deeper flavor notes to cranberries, crabapple, or darker tropical fruits, finishing with a clean and refreshing taste that you’ll love. The taste of hibiscus tea may vary depending on how you choose to enjoy your tea. Generally, the lighter notes may come out more with cold brew methods. The tangy-sweet and bold flavors show up more with hotter blends. 

Hibiscus tea is a fantastic herbal tea to blend with, working well with a variety of fruity and floral inclusions. If you like to drink it plain and are looking for ways to spice it up, consider adding in lemons, lemonade, brown sugar, or mint.