I stocked up on tea this week, and I’m eager to report on something new. I got a couple different varieties of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea, and today I’m trying Grand Green.
It’s a Moroccan mint blend of green tea, mint, and a bit of stevia, which still cannot be legally listed as a sweetener, so it’s labeled as a “dietary supplement” on the can. (See Stevia.net for more information on this sweet herb and its interesting legal history.)
Upon opening the can, I was enveloped in an absolutely heavenly minty aroma. I let it steep longer than the prescribed 2-3 minutes. (Yes, I’m always flirting with bitter disaster, but there is nothing better than strong, hearty tea!) The flavor that greeted me when I took a sip was scintillatingly minty, yet smooth, and has a touch of astringency.
The sweetness of the stevia is not immediately apparent, but it’s there, and it definitely adds to the enjoyment of this brew. No need to sweeten any further.
It really almost tastes like it smells, which is a rarity, and very pleasing.
Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is 100% organic, is a Fair Trade tea, and Grand Green contains 1/3 the amount of caffeine of coffee.
Next time I write, it will be about a decaf chai, and I’m crossing my fingers that it’ll be great!
August 10, 2006 at 7:41 am
Hello!
I’ve visited your page a few times now and just wanted to leave a general compliment–it’s lovely! Especially nice are all of your sidebar pages; they’re full of great info and intuitively laid out.
Particularly wanted to say that I agree with you on the point of “everday,” accessible tea. I drink a lot of stuff that sure isn’t “snobbish” by anyone’s standards, and I think that appreciation of tea can both start with and encompass such varieties.
Thanks again!
Tess