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Types of Tea

The Best Iced Teas of 2017 Are…

May 23, 2017

global tea championship emblemJune is National Iced Tea Month. To make sure you’re drinking the best iced tea you possibly can next month, get your hands on the iced teas that took home top honors at this year’s Global Tea
Championship
 in Mentebello, California.  After dividing entrants into three categories (Ready to Drink, Food Service, and Instant) and subcategories (straight, sweetened or flavored black, white, oolong, etc.), the competition awarded 4 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and 15 bronze medals to the best of the bunch.

Each iced tea was evaluated on a 100-point system by three judges: Scott Svihula of coffee/tea company Hula Consulting, Royce Van Twest of Qtrade Teas & Herbs, and John Culliott of sustainable tea company Walters Bay. To receive a top score of 96-100, an iced tea must meet the following criteria: “Unique tea, difficult to replicate, exceptional vintage.”
global tea championship judging

Here are the Gold Medalists for your sipping pleasure:

Tejava—The Unsweetened Tea

Category: Ready to Drink

Tejava—The Unsweetened Tea

Tejava’s motto is Tea + Nothing = Tejava. The company says, “We believe in letting the tea speak for itself so we don’t hide its flavor behind sugar, additives or added ingredients.” It’s simply made with handpicked tea leaves from the Island of Java in Indonesia. Tejava uses only leaves picked from the top of the tea plant between the months of May and October, limiting itself to only the best that camellia sinensis has to offer.  Tejava is Non-GMO Project verified and Rainforest Alliance Certified.  You can scoop up your own bottle of Tejava any of these locations.

Lotus Blossom White Tea with Organic Coconut Water #2300 from Templar Food Products

Category: Ready to Drink

Lotus Blossom White Tea with Organic Coconut Water #2300 from Templar Food Products

Templar Food Products creates custom private label iced teas for its clients. The developers brought home the gold for its white tea flavored with lotus blossom and coconut water.  Click here to request a sample.

Karkade Hibiscus Tea

Category: Ready to Drink

Karkade Hibiscus Tea

Karkade Tea is made from hibiscus plants that are picked in Egypt and then brewed in Texas.  CEO Ahmed Mahmoud says, “Since the days of the pharaohs, families in Egypt have enjoyed tea made from hibiscus flowers. It was the same for our family.”  When the Mahmoud family moved to the United States, they continued to drink iced hibiscus tea, and then decided to share it with the rest of the country under the Karkade Tea label.  Order online here.

Red Berry Iced Tea from Mighty Leaf Tea

Category: Food Service (Commercial Fresh Brewed)

Red Berry Iced Tea from Mighty Leaf Tea

This variety from Mighty Leaf was honored in the Commercial Fresh Brewed category, defined as ” dry tea in either open brew fraction packs or filter packs to be brewed on commercial iced tea equipment and sold in cases to foodservice customers.”  Mighty Leaf teas use the whole tea plant leaf. Says the company, “Our whole leaf teas showcase larger, bolder leaves – never broken, torn or crushed. We love whole leaf tea because these teas provide a complex, nuanced taste that you just don’t get from leaves that have been crushed or broken. Only whole leaves deliver the full flavor and aroma essential for the ultimate multi-sensory tea experience.” Look for this gold medalist variety on restaurant menus.

And here are the Silver and Bronze Medalists:

Silver Medalists:

 Bronze Medalists:

 

Types of Tea

Trend Watch: Turmeric Tea

April 20, 2017

Turmeric was everywhere at the Natural Products Expo West this March in Anaheim, California, as reported by World Tea News. In fact, the number of products that contained turmeric at the expo rose 34% between 2014 and 2016, and 2017’s expo displayed the root’s staying power. The rise of turmeric may be traced back to the public’s increasing knowledge of its health benefits: per WebMD, because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, may decrease inflammation, the herb is used to treat ailments such as IBS, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and gum disease.  Modern medical uses of turmeric build on thousands of years in which the spice played an important role in ancient healthcare.  Today, turmeric is a power player in there herbal tea market. It’s often combined with ginger thanks to the herbs’ complementary flavors and shared health benefits.  If you’re ready to get your turmeric on, here are some teas that incorporate turmeric to get you started:

1) Turmeric with Meadowsweet & Ginger

Turmeric with Meadowsweet & Ginger

This tea from Traditional Medicines, a “wellness teas” purveyor, promotes healthy digestion and curbs post-exercise inflammation with a tasty combination of turmeric, meadowsweet, and ginger. The company worked to create a formula that first targets the gut, and then moves on alleviate pain that results from strenuous activity. Traditional Medicines believes that this tea combines “herbal wisdom” with “soothing relief.”  Try this caffeine-free herbal tea and be your own judge.

2) Turmeric Mango Tea

Turmeric Mango Tea

The ancient spice gets a sweet bedfellow in this mashup from Rishi. Sri Lankan mangoes star alongside turmeric in this tropical loose leaf tea, with supporting flavor from pineapple, ginger, green tea, jasmine, yuzu, and essential kaffir lime oil. Rishi recommends brewing this hand-blended tea for five to six minutes.

Rishi also makes a tempting Turmeric Chai that unites turmeric with traditional chai spices, coconut, vanilla bean, and sarsaparilla for a strong, exotic, and creamy cuppa.

3) Turmeric Green TeaTurmeric Green Tea

This tea from Pukka combines green tea and turmeric with cardamom, licorice, and lemon for a tea that the company promises will “leave you feeling renewed as each cup lets you don turmeric’s shield.” That protective shield “sustains life’s majestic glow,” says the tea maker. This tea is organic, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and even FairWild (aka sustainably harvested and fair traded).

4) Dandelion Turmeric Tea

Dandelion Turmeric Tea

This tea from Teeccino is a potent mixture of turmeric and roasted dandelion. Ginger, chicory, and licorice are along for the flavorful ride as well. Add milk for a cuppa that arches toward chai. This product is gluten-free and barley-free, contains no caffeine, and boasts antioxidants and natural sources of insulin and potassium. Plus, it comes in both loose leaf and tea bags.

5) Amber Sun Rooibos Turmeric Tea

Amber Sun Rooibos Turmeric Tea

This tea from Numi Organic Tea is smooth and rich, blending turmeric and rooibos with honebush, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla bean for an herbal celebration. Numi recommends a longer steeping time for this tea—8 to 10 minutes. This caffeine-free tea boasts tasting notes of “mellow apple” and “sweet peppery zest” according to Numi.  The tea company has many other turmeric products, including turmeric chai and turmeric cocoa.

Types of Tea

Trend to Watch: Nitro Tea

March 28, 2017

Nitrogen. It makes up about 80% of the Earth’s atmosphere. It’s present in all living things. This gas has been used to keep food fresh and frozen for years. And now, nitrogen is about to take over our teacups.

You may have heard of nito coffee and beer—drinks infused with nitrogen—but now tea’s getting a chemical makeover, too. Introducing nitrogen to tea adds a creamy texture to the beverage without adding dairy or extra calories from milk. As more Americans cut down on diary, nitro tea is giving tea lovers a creamy option that doesn’t compromise their dietary restrictions or health goals. If you’ve ever felt like your tea habit was missing a dose of science, then nitro tea is for you.

If you’re looking to order nitro tea out at a café or restaurant, look for it at these locations:

Rubies and Diamonds Tea and Coffee in Los Angeles serves three types of nitro tea: Nitro Ginger Ale Green Tea, Nitro Hibiscus Tea, and Nitro Creamy Matcha.

The Café at Le Flour in Chicago serves up one unique nitro tea at a time. Varieties so far have included Peach Punch and Lemon Pound Cake.

Parisi Artisan Coffee sells Nitro Organic Hibiscus Berry Tea at several of its cafes in Kansas.

The Smith Tasting Room in Portland, Oregon, features a masala chai tea on nitro and a strawberry honeybush.

B Sweet in Los Angeles has Nitro Thai Iced Tea, Nitro Hibiscus Tea, and Nitro Matcha Green Tea on tap.

Check out this video for a closer look:

If you’re looking to easily pick up some nitro tea up at the supermarket or have it delivered to your home, check out the following:

B Sweet has its cans of Nitro Matcha Green Tea and Nitro Hibiscus Tea on shelves at Whole Foods, Erewhon, Bristol Farms, and Gelson’s. Plus, the company can deliver kegs of nitro tea to your home or office.

Caveman Coffee sells 4-packs of its Nitro Cold Brew Hibiscus Tea for $20. Each 16-ounce beverage packs a flavor combination of berries, flowers, lemon, and fruit punch.

And if you’re in the mood to make your own nitro tea, consider investing in some equipment:

 The NitroBrew system makes it easy to concoct your own nitro brews at home. The system has only two parts: a charging station and a kettle. The company promises its system will give tea—or any beverage—“a silky mouthfeel and delicious taste.” Get ready to be part chef, part scientist.

This video shows you just how easy it is:

This trend is only beginning to take off, so keep your eyes peeled for more and more options popping up!

Types of Tea

Get Going With Tea Energy Drinks

February 28, 2017

The energy drink sector is dominated by beverages like Red Bull and Monster, but tea producers are aiming for a piece of the $61 billion dollar-pie. After consumers’ health concerns caused growth in the energy drink market to dip in 2013, producers looked to tea to give consumers a natural, healthy alternative.  If you’re in need of a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up, a supercharged energy tea drink may be just what you need.  Here are a few options to get you buzzed:

1) Steep a Hi-CAF Tea Bag 

Steep a Hi-CAF Tea Bag

Republic of Tea launched a line of Hi-CAF tea bags in 2014. The company promises these teas produce a “calm alertness” that they call Tea Mind®. Green tea extract and pure caffeine extracted from premium tea leaves combine to give these teas their high caffeine content. A black tea bag contains around 50 mg and a cup of coffee contains around 100 mg of caffeine, but these tea bags elevate cups of tea to caffeine levels between 100 and 150 mg. Black tea flavors include: Cinnamon Toast, Toasted Coconut, Caramel, Pom-berry, and regular black. A gingermint green tea is also available. Each tin of 50 tea bags sells for $13.

2) Chug Fair Trade & Organic Energy

Chug Fair Trade & Organic EnergySteaz sells a line of green tea energy drinks marketed as “organic energy to fuel your fitness” and that boast the title of the world’s first Fair Trade Certified organic energy drink. The green tea in each beverage is grown in Kenya and energy drink flavors include: Berry, Berry Zero, Orange, and Super Fruit. Each 12-ounce bottle contains 100 mg of natural caffeine, tons of B Vitamins, and antioxidants. If you’re watching your sugar intake, choose the sugar-free Berry Zero, as the other flavors contain 35 grams of the sweet stuff. You can find Steaz on shelves at Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger.

3) Wake Up With White Tea 

 

Wake Up With White Tea

Inko’s specializes in white tea—the least processed of all teas—and has produced a line of white tea Organic Energy drinks. Each 16-ounce bottle contains 100 calories of “Jitter-Free Energy.” Available in mango, citrus, and blackberry, Inko’s Organic Energy drink is gluten-free and non-GMO. You can buy a 12-pack online for $36 or check out individual bottles on shelves at Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Wegmans, Rite Aid, Mariano’s, and Jewel-Osco.

4) Enjoy a Blended Boost 

 X2 Performance All Natural Energy Drink

Can’t choose between green and black tea?  You don’t have to.  Each 12-ounce bottle of X2 Performance All Natural Energy Drink blends green and black tea along with pure honey, electrolytes, and antioxidants for a sweet boost of energy. The 100-calorie drinks come in three flavors: lemon, strawberry-kiwi, and raspberry. Each drink contains 80 mg of natural caffeine from green tea and 24 grams of sugar. You can find X2 at Subway or order online.

5) Get ZestyZest Tea

Zest Tea promotes energy and alertness with caffeine levels that rival coffee and amino acids that help your body avoid the jitters and boost brainpower. Pyramid tea bags and loose leaf tea come in four flavors: Cinnamon Apple Black Tea, a fruity Blue Lady Black Tea, Earl Grey Black Tea, and Pomegranate Mojito Green Tea. Each serving contains approximately 150 mg of caffeine. Added incentive: Zest Tea was named Best New Product at the 2015 World Tea Expo!

Types of Tea

5 Unusual Teas

January 12, 2017

Tea lovers have become more and more creative over the years, infusing hot water with unexpected flavors that can leave consumers either confused or dazzled.  Across the globe, different climates and cultures have inspired men and women to brew tea with unique ingredients.  Here are five out of the ordinary teas to try or appreciate from a distance:

1) Panda Dung Tea

So you’re not drinking poo, but this Chinese green tea is grown in panda poop fertilizer. Entrepreneur and panda lover An Yanshi developed this variety in 2011. Panda poop is pretty esteemed, as far as excrement goes. Pandas eat only bamboo and digest less than 30 percent of its nutrients. That means most of the bamboo is getting churned out the rear, infusing panda waste with top tier nutrients. Back in 2012, Yanshi told Reuters, “I just want to convey to the people of the world the message of turning waste into something useful, and the culture of recycling and using organic fertilizers.” Per The Daily Mail, he told drinkers to expect “a mature and nutty taste.” The tea went on the market in 2012 for $3000 per 1.7 ounces. That probably exceeds your tea budget, but if not, head for China’s Sichuan province, where Yanshi’s collecting poo and brewing tea.

2) Bacon Tea

Your prayers have been answered: you can now sip bacon flavored tea. This blend from Adagio mixes black lapsang souchong tea with apple and caramel flavored Ceylon teas to, in their words, “recreate the taste of sugar-cured, apple-wood smoked bacon that you crave in the morning.” Packed with caffeine and flavor, this is the breakfast tea you’ve been dreaming of.

3) Savory Vegetable Teas

You don’t want soup, and you don’t want a smoothie, but you’re craving vegetables, and you can’t be bothered to chew. Sounds like it’s time to sip a savory vegetable tea. Lucky for you, Numi Organics released a line of savory teas. Flavors include: Tomato Mint,Carrot Curry, Fennel Spice, Spinach Chive, Beet Cabbage, and Broccoli Cilantro. Each tea starts with a decaffeinated black or green tea and is then infused with organic vegetables and spices from sustainable gardens. Numi claims these teas are “rich in flavor, yet light enough to enjoy any time of day.” Sip for yourself!

4) Garlic Tea

You may commonly use garlic in sauces and marinades, but think about adding it to your tea. This garlic tea from Tea Haven is available in a number of varieties, from black and red to green and white. Garlic tea may not seem like an obvious choice—especially if you plan on kissing someone anytime soon—but it may have some exciting health benefits. According to Prevention, garlic works to alleviate cold symptoms like congestion and coughing. And per Livestrong, it may help your cholesterol.  Unconfirmed: may repel vampires.

5) Yak Butter Tea

In the US, it’s common to add a spot of milk or spoonful of sugar to tea. In Tibet, yak butter is the additive of choice. According to NPR, Yak butter tea is the unofficial drink of Tibet. You may have trouble finding yak butter at your local Shop Rite, but it’s easy to find in Tibet, where yaks have been domesticated since 800 BC and have provided a main source of milk and butter ever since. Tibetans use yak butter, milk, and salt to fortify tea, creating a beverage that provides warmth in the cold Himalayan Mountains. Up high, you get dehydrated faster than at sea level, so adding salt to tea helps consumers to retain water. Yellow and thick, yak butter tea is an exotic beverage packed with energy and warmth. If you’re not up for churning your own butter, buy some yak butter tea on ebay here.

Types of Tea

Everything You Need to Know About Boba Tea

March 14, 2016

By now, you’ve probably either tasted or heard of the dessert-like tea drink known as Boba (also commonly referred to as bubble tea or pearl tea). A couple years ago, it seemed to take the country by storm, with new Boba shops popping up everywhere and well-known restaurants opting in to selling the tasty tapioca treat. But where exactly did this trend come from? We’re here to give you all the facts and answer all your questions about the popular drink.

It originated in Taiwan.

The first ever boba tea drink was invented in Taichung, Taiwan in the 1980s. Although no one’s certain exactly where the idea came from, the most circulated story credits Liu Han-Chieh as the mastermind. The founder of Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, he wanted to experiment with the possibility of serving tea cold – a new style that ended up propelling his small business to massive success. He mixed the cold milk tea with creative additions like fruit, syrup, candied yams, and tapioca bubbles, which resulted in the creation of the popular Boba tea drink as we know it today. The drink became popular in many parts of East and Southeast Asia during the 1990s before making its successful debut in the US and other countries around the world.

There are multiple ways to make (and drink) Boba tea.

In general, Boba tea recipes call for a tea base (green, black, etc.) mixed with fruit or milk, to which tapioca balls are then added. This will result in two main types: fruit-flavored teas and milk teas, although many shops now offer a hybrid of the two, combining the fruity mixtures with milk (or non-dairy creamers/milk substitutes). The flavoring is added in the form of syrup, powder, fruit juice or pulp to the hot tea, which is then chilled. Both variations can be served over ice or blended. The cooked tapioca pearls are added as a final step.

Choosing a flavor can be difficult.

The countless flavors for Boba tea can be overwhelming. They range from popular fruit flavors like strawberry, grape, and watermelon to more exotic, adventurous fruits like passion fruit, avocado and jackfruit. They also come in non-fruit flavors for a richer, creamier drink. Some popular types include taro, rose, almond, ginger and Thai tea. Although the drink is defined and often characterized by the black, marble-sized balls that sit at the bottom of the cup, there are many variations on the type of “bubble” you choose as well. The spheres can vary in color depending on the ingredient of the boba – options include green tea, aloe, custard, sago and taro. The chewy tidbits also don’t always come in the form of balls. Jelly is formed in the shapes of cubes, stars and rectangular strips with flavors such as coconut jelly, lychee, grass jelly and mango.

The straw is a dead giveaway.

Chances are you’ve already indulged in one of these delicious drinks, but if you haven’t (or let alone seen one), there’s one surefire way to know whether it’s the real deal: the straw. The oversized, often colorful straws must be large enough for the pearls to pass through; therefore, they can typically be spotted from a distance. Otherwise, the packaging of Boba tea can vary. Some cafes use plastic, dome-shaped lids while more customary Boba shops use a machine that seals the tops of the cups with plastic cellophane. These are often customized with the shop’s logo, only to be pierced by the straws. A benefit to the latter method: it’s spill-free, allowing patrons to shake up their drinks directly in the cup or save them to enjoy later.

Types of Tea

The History of Tea

January 16, 2016

With every sip or sniff, you can pretty much taste the history of tea. Something about this earthy beverage makes you feel grounded within the world. Perhaps, it’s the laws of matter: all matter in the universe has existed since the beginning of time and tea feels just as old. I imagine early cavemen and women brewing their first pots of tea after recently discovering fire. Drinking the warm beverage during those cold prehistoric nights.

Fine, you got me, tea isn’t that old, but it’s pretty ancient! Follow me as we journey around the world, because nothing has traveled around the world like tea.

China

The Emperor of China, Shen Neng, first discovered tea around 2737 B.C. while seeking to find remedies for his ailments. For several hundred years people drank this brew for its medicinal properties. Tea then moved into religious spaces, being used as an offering. During the Han Dynasty (202 B.C. – 220 A.D.), tea plants were scarce and only royalty and upper class people drank it. Around this time, people began to drink tea for taste and not just their health. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), more tea plants were discovered and tea drinking spread to the lower classes. The government took steps to support the planting of tea plants and the building of tea stores to ensure that everyone could enjoy the beverage. Also during the Tang Dynasty, tea spread to Japan by the Japanese priests who were studying in China at the time.

Japan

In Japan, tea is often associated with Zen Buddhism because the priests drank tea to stay alert and meditate. In keeping with ceremonial tradition, Buddhists developed the Japanese Tea Ceremony for sharing tea in a sacred and spiritual manner. Much like the Chinese emperors, the Japanese Emperor Shomu loved tea so much, he took steps to make sure tea became accessible to everyone.

In the 1500s, Sen No Rikkyu incorporated the ideas of simplicity and that each meeting should be special and unique into the tea ceremonies.  The traditional Japanese tea ceremony became more than just drinking tea; it became a spiritual experience that embodies harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.

England

Tea first arrived in England in the mid 17th century, and the London coffee houses were responsible for introducing the beverage to England. One of the first coffee house merchants to offer tea was Thomas Garway, who owned an establishment in Exchange Alley. He sold both liquid and dry tea to the public as early as 1657. A few years later, Garway created two advertisements about the virtues of tea: “making the body active and lusty” and “preserving perfect health until extreme old age.”

The refreshment quickly became popular in the coffee houses, and by 1700 more than 500 coffee houses sold it. However, the tavern owners and government weren’t too happy about it. The new beverage cut into their liquor sales and thus the tax revenue the government received. By 1750 tea had become the favored drink of Britain’s lower classes.

Much like the Japanese and Chinese, tea became part of a ritual. Even today, there are still certain Tea Etiquette followed when serving traditional afternoon tea and high tea. Having afternoon tea began by royal Britain’s Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. Even though it was typical to eat only breakfast and dinner in Britain, the Duchess started drinking tea and eating light refreshments when she started to feel hungry in the afternoons. She began inviting friends to join her and soon the afternoon tea tradition was born. Afternoon tea (or low tea) is usually served between 3 and 5 p.m. and is very different from high tea, during which a more hearty meal was eaten at the end of a workday. This usually happened around 5:30 or 6 p.m. for the working classes.

America

Like England, tea first came to North America in the 17th century through what was then the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam (New York). When it was acquired by the British many of the tea drinking customs common in England were passed on. As tea drinking spread, special water pumps were installed in natural springs.  With water now readily available for making tea, places called “Tea Gardens” became popular at these tea springs. To symbolized wealth and elite social status, cities like Boston and Philadelphia adopted the English style of tea drinking and their use of fancy silver and porcelain tea products.

Tea trade between the colonies and England were centered in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. Tea was heavily taxed due to the East India Company’s monopoly on tea imports. Colonists would often try to smuggle tea in. With more taxes being imposed, including, the Act of Parliament in 1767, American ports began refusing shipments of dutiable goods, including teas, causing ships to turn around with their cargo in some cases.  The Tea Act of 1773, which was intended to boost profits for the East India Company by bypassing local tea merchants and selling tea directly to the colonists, was the final straw that triggered The Boston Tea Party.

On Dec. 16, 1773, a group of protesters disguised as Mohawk Indians, along with the Sons of Liberty got the idea to dump the tea into Boston Harbor. The protestors and a large crowd of Bostonians, boarded the British East India Company ships, the Eleanor, Dartmouth and Beaver.  In  three hours, they dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. This event lead to the American Revolution.

Two major breakthrough’s in tea happened in the early 1900s. First, by Richard Blechynden, who in 1904, at America’s first World’s Fair, had the idea to serve his brewed tea on ice since drinking hot tea during a summer heat wave is essentially a recipe for a heat stroke. The second was by Thomas Sullivan of New York, who in 1908 is credited for inventing the tea bag. This tea merchant packaged loose teas in hand-sewn silk muslin bags to be shipped around the world. But one day while hile delivering the bags of tea to local restaurants, he noticed they were brewing the tea while still in the bags. This sparked his idea to market the bags as a new, convenient and less messy way of preparing tea.

Craft: The Different Types of Tea

Early teas were processed into cakes, similar to the modern pu-erh teas. They were dried, steamed or processed in some way. During the Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 A.D.), some teas were ground and whipped into a frothy beverage like our current day matcha.  Thankfully, not long after this the Chinese began experimenting with loose-leaf teas.

It wasn’t until the 12th century when tea was divided based on the types of processing used to make them. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.), foreign trade was increasing, so tea merchants needed a beverage that would last longer. The Chinese discovered fermenting and began crafting oolong and black teas that would store longer. At this point they also started experimenting with scenting and flavoring the teas in order to make the essence last.

The crafting of different types of teas continued to change over time. We now divide tea into four types: white teas, green tea, oolong teas (semi-fermented), and black teas (fermented). And there are subdivisions of these, such as pu-erh teas, which are double-fermented.

From its origins in China to its world notoriety, tea really has been through it all. It has  seen war and peace — which is truly something to drink to.

Tell us your favorite go to teas to sip on.

Types of Tea

Best Pumpkin Spice Everything Teas for the Fall

November 2, 2015

Labor Day is a distant memory when the air begins to cool. Maybe, you plan to go apple picking, bake pies or just take a nice hayride on a sunny afternoon, but for me, when fall hits: It’s defiantly pumpkin time! We’ve found some pumpkin flavored teas you’ll surely enjoy sipping on while warming up on in the brisk months of fall.

1. Republic of Tea: Pumpkin Spice Black Tea

This tea is a balanced blend of black tea, cinnamon, natural ginger and pumpkin flavors, sweet blackberry leaves, nutmeg, cloves. At about $12 a tin, this milder tasting pumpkin spice beverage is great to unwind with.

2. Teavana: Pumpkin Spice Brulee Oolong Tea

This Teavana blend is richly sweet. It has creamy white and dark chocolate with sweet pumpkin and toffee flavors with an undertone of sweet spice and mocha. Only downside, is this tea doesn’t have as much caffeine as the rest at 15mg per cup.

3. Bigelow: Pumpkin Spice

Bigelow mixes black tea, natural pumpkin flavors, cinnamon, licorice root, clove, and ginger in this delicious caffeinated beverage.

4. Tazo: Pumpkin Spice Chai

This Tazo brew gives you a nice morning (or afternoon) boost. Blended with black tea, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and pumpkin, it’s bound to be the chai tea you love with a pumpkin twist. It’s quite flavorful and makes for a phenomenal latte.

5. Stash: Pumpkin Spice Black Tea

Like some of the others this, Stash, brew is made with black tea and natural pumpkin spice flavor with hints of cinnamon, ginger, and clove. But, if you’re looking for a great taste without the caffeine this is the perfect option!

Pumpkin spice is all about the balance of flavors. Each of these unique teas are made to cater to different palates. Try them all, and tell us your favorite!