How do you have your tea?

[Huntn]

You could probably clip, dry, and steep them. Although I’d hesitate unless you know they have been organically raised. I wouldn’t want to include pesticides in my tea that may have been sprayed on the leaves or taken up by the roots.

Lemon verbena is fairly common to find as tea, both alone and as part of a blend. If you’re looking for a light and smooth herbal tea, you can’t go wrong there. It’s pretty much the polar opposite of chicory root tea, so it probably won’t scratch that “coffee-adjacent itch.”

I don’t use pesticides on most of my plants. I have always loved trimming verbena because of the citrus smell!

 

[mobilehaathi]

I don’t use pesticides on most of my plants. I have always loved trimming verbena because of the citrus smell!

If you do decide to make tea out of them, I’d also do some testing of the liquid to make sure they haven’t taken up any heavy metals etc. I mean, it’s probably fine, but I don’t want to tell you it is and give you a false sense of safety.

 

[AlliFlowers]

What brand? I just ordered some white ones (vs brown)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0799FDLL1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

View attachment 761252​

http://a.co/6n0CSr

 

[Huntn]

You could probably clip, dry, and steep them. Although I’d hesitate unless you know they have been organically raised. I wouldn’t want to include pesticides in my tea that may have been sprayed on the leaves or taken up by the roots.

Lemon verbena is fairly common to find as tea, both alone and as part of a blend. If you’re looking for a light and smooth herbal tea, you can’t go wrong there. It’s pretty much the polar opposite of chicory root tea, so it probably won’t scratch that “coffee-adjacent itch.”

Oops, I was thinking of lantana when I said verbena, but both lantana and verbena are in the same family.
[doublepost=1525908883][/doublepost]Teeccino Vanilla Nut herbal tea has organic carob, organic barley, organic chicory, dates, almonds, organic figs, natural vanilla flavor, and natural nut flavor, hmmm. It’s made in Santa Barbara, Ca.

​

 

[millerj123]

That's funny, my wife and I just planted verbena for her teas. We've had lantana growing wild here since we moved in. She's doing a variety of dried herbs, including lemon grass, mint, and verbena.

We just got her a Chinese steeper for Oolong tea. I used to drink a variety of herbal teas, but haven't in a long time.

 

[Huntn]

That's funny, my wife and I just planted verbena for her teas. We've had lantana growing wild here since we moved in. She's doing a variety of dried herbs, including lemon grass, mint, and verbena.

We just got her a Chinese steeper for Oolong tea. I used to drink a variety of herbal teas, but haven't in a long time.

Lantana has a strong citrus smell when trimmed. I wonder if it would be suitable for teas? Internet to the rescue! Turns out lantana has quite a few uses, but making tea was not listed as one of them, although maybe for medicinal purposes. https://www.herbs-for-health.com/lantana-camara/

 

[TheSkywalker77]

I prefer coffee.

But when I do drink tea I'll usually add some milk and sugar.

 

[Huntn]

I prefer coffee.

But when I do drink tea I'll usually add some milk and sugar.

I’ve always preferred coffee, but health concerns are causing me to alter my habits.

 

[TheSkywalker77]

I’ve always preferred coffee, but health concerns are causing me to alter my habits.

True. Coffee is just a lot stronger than tea and wakes me up better.

 

[elf69]

Personally I drink pretty much any brand of standard tea that supermarkets sell.

My fiancee she has a taste for decaffe black assam tea made by clipper brand.
It is not sold in any supermarket here, but is served in the local supermarket cafe.

We get it online.
Has to be decaffe or she has headaches, etc

We both also like earl grey from time to time.

 

[Huntn]

Personally I drink pretty much any brand of standard tea that supermarkets sell.

My fiancee she has a taste for decaffe black assam tea made by clipper brand.
It is not sold in any supermarket here, but is served in the local supermarket cafe.

We get it online.
Has to be decaffe or she has headaches, etc

We both also like earl grey from time to time.

I read that coffee can contribute to acid production in the stomach, and that decaf coffee is even more acidic. As someone who suffers from acid reflux, I wonder if decaf tea is the same situation?

 

[Samuel Clemens]

I have a "thing" for tea. My favourites among the most known brands, are Whittard and Twinings, in several different flavours/variants. Which one I choose, depends on the day or the mood. Could be Assam, could be Earl Grey, could be Lady Grey, could be Darjeeling, etc.

As for herbal infusions, I like them pure or mixed (can also be mixed with some black tea or with ginger), and I have planted some herbs for that purpose:

• Lemon Verbena
• Peperina Mint (Minthostachys verticillata)
• Poleo (Mentha pulegium)
• Salvia

I often buy some ginger for my teas too.

And my wife and I can't live without mate!

 

[elf69]

I read that coffee can contribute to acid production in the stomach, and that decaf coffee is even more acidic. As someone who suffers from acid reflux, I wonder if decaf tea is the same situation?

I honestly do not know.
But if my fiancee has normal caffeinated tea she gets head aches.
She has also stopped drinking her favourite pop coca cola as it has caffeine in it.
Although she still has the odd Malibu and coke.

Neither of us suffer acid reflux problems.

 

[Huntn]

I honestly do not know.
But if my fiancee has normal caffeinated tea she gets head aches.
She has also stopped drinking her favourite pop coca cola as it has caffeine in it.
Although she still has the odd Malibu and coke.

Neither of us suffer acid reflux problems.

How old are you? Acid reflux did not start bothering me until I hit my early 60s (presently 65). Of note when I stopped drinking coffee, since I’ve not had to take acid reflux medicine.

 

[elf69]

I'm only 30 and my fiancee is 47

 

[Apple fanboy]

I've found a lady who is relatively local, and sends me tea on demand in the mail. She frequently sends me samples, and one quite struck my fancy - it's called Irish Morning. It's a black tea with some almost fruity things. It's wonderful and relaxing, without being overly fruity/herbal. I'm still using the drawstring bags from Amazon. (I have them on subscription.)

I have a local lady who brings me tea. Her name is Mrs AFB!

 

[oldhifi]

Iced & with Orange slice

 

[Huntn]

I'm only 30 and my fiancee is 47

It may creep up on you eventually, acid reflux. I was drinking 32oz caffeinated coffee a day.
[doublepost=1525999226][/doublepost]

Thread Revival!

Some of you know I recently kicked coffee for herbal teas. Currently drinking teeccino brand (http://teeccino.com/category/30/Teeccino-Samplers.html). This come in both tea bags and loose. I started out brewing their tea bags which include 6 grams (more than average tea bags) of grounds which makes for a strong mug of tea in a 16oz mug. However I also purchased an 11oz bag, which they claim makes 35 servings and an inexpensive single cup strainer.

So the breakdown is 25 bags for approx $11 or an 11 Oz bag that makes 35 servings for $10. Now there is a bulk option too, 5 lbs for $55 a steal! Anyway here is the rub of using a tea bag vs a strainer, my impression is you get a better brew with less grounds using the tea bag versus the strainer, where the water flows though like a drip coffee maker, but does not get a chance to steep. So with a strainer, it takes more grounds to get an equivalent strength.

Which brings me to these options, tea infusers or purchasing empty throw away bags. The stainless steel infuser costs about $7, the throw away bags about $.035 cents each. I suspect the tea bags would still work better. This tea is finely ground.

View attachment 761118
View attachment 761117​

Opinions? I’m leaning towards the bulk coffee and the disposable bags.

Ok, the tea bags came and this is definitely the best way to brew herbal coffees. For @AlliFlowers the bags I ordered work well and were 300 for about $10 no subscription. The only drawback, if you want to call it that is the string has no tag attached. But if it did, it would be harder to pull the draw string and tie it off maybe.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0799FDLL1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Had some delicious Turkish tea yesterday, served in a glass as is usual.

 

[elf69]

my fiancee has her tea brewed in a small stainless steel teapot.
she says taste better than teabag in cup method.

I just chuck bag in cup.

She also has her tea in 1960s royal albert china cups.
I just use any mug that's in kitchen cupboard, lol

you can tell my fiancee is more "refined" than myself lol

 

[AlliFlowers]

Ok, the tea bags came and this is definitely the best way to brew herbal coffees. For @AlliFlowers the bags I ordered work well and were 300 for about $10 no subscription. The only drawback, if you want to call it that is the string has no tag attached. But if it did, it would be harder to pull the draw string and tie it off maybe.

No subscription required with the ones I got. I just got the sub because I go through them regularly, and it's nice not having to worry about running out.

Tie it off? Don't you just pull it taught? If you're having to tie it, you might want to try a different brand next time.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Twinnings Earl Grey
Twinnings Breakfast tea

Semi skimmed and no sugar.

 

[Huntn]

An interesting claim about caffeine:
Caffeine and weight loss
http://teeccino.com/building_optimal_health/129/Caffeine-and-Weight-Loss.html (this link from a herbal tea company)
Many people have the popular misconception that caffeine will help them lose weight. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Drinking caffeinated beverages or taking pills containing caffeine ultimately stimulates increased appetite for sweets and fatty foods. Caffeine triggers a roller coaster ride of elevated blood sugar and stress hormones that thwarts people's efforts on a diet to stick to their regime.

No subscription required with the ones I got. I just got the sub because I go through them regularly, and it's nice not having to worry about running out.

Tie it off? Don't you just pull it taught? If you're having to tie it, you might want to try a different brand next time.

I don’t think I have to tie it off, the draw string works, the first time I’ve used a fill-your-own bag. It just seemed prudent. I’m pleased with how they work.

 

[YaBe]

Lately for me it has onlly been Matcha, the cerimonial grade powder. I am loving it!

 

[jdechko]

Green tea mostly.
~180º F water.
Preheat the mug with the water, dump
Water in the mug, tea sachet
Steep 2-3 minutes.

I have some Celestial tea bags and some other herbal teas I will occasionally drink.

Also, because I'm a southerner, I have Lipton tea bags for the family.