It’s Monday night and I am in need of a warm cuppa tea. I know I shouldn’t have caffeine at 10:00 p.m., but every canister of decaffeinated tea is sitting at work on my desk. It is now 11:00 p.m. and I am recklessly enjoying my second cup with the effects of the caffeine making itself known, the realization that this was probably not a wise decision is dawning. Yet… what is a girl to do?
I figure, if I am going to break my no caffeine at night rule, I might as well do it with style. Thus, my tea of choice is Let Love Bloom.
Composition: Silver Needle White Tea, Globe Amaranth, Marigold and Jasmine.
Dry Visual: A heart the color of green moss.
Dry Aroma: An herbaceous scent. I believe the marigold dominates the bouquet.
Flavor: Floral. There is the hint of white tea, however, the marigold and Jasmine dominate this brew. Additionally, another flavor presents itself that is mysterious to my tastebuds. Perhaps it is the Globe Amaranth – I’m not quite sure, but it adds a vegetative quality to this tea. After tasting both with and without sweetener, I decided that I prefer Let Love Bloom with the addition of honey.
Liquor: A rich yet pale gold tone.
Brewing Time: Just enough time for the tea to bloom – approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Manufacturer: Full Bloom Tea
Caffeine: Yes.
Special Note: According to Full Bloom Tea, you can re-steep each bloom 2 to 3 times. I will have to try this the next time I brew another one of their Artisan teas.
What is Globe Amaranth?
(Gomphrena globosa), ornamental garden plant of the family Amaranthaceae, native to the Old World tropics. Globe amaranth is a short annual with dense, clover-like flower clusters that often are dried and preserved. The flowers are in groups on long stalks; they lack petals but have red, pink, orange, or white bracts.
Every time I brew one of the blooming teas, I get excited. Watching the tea bloom enhances the experience and makes for great conversation. Unfortunately, the experience is lost on my husband, who is most definitely NOT a tea drinker.
References: globe amaranth. (2008). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved May 05, 2008, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online:http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/235424/globe-amaranth
