An Ode to Chun Mee

Oh Chun Mee how I love thee, let me count the ways!  I have found green tea nirvana.  I found this minx in a local supermarket, and was supposedly purchased from SpecialTeas as # 522.  This tea is smoky and sweet, yet reminiscent of ripe plums.  Not like any other grassy, vegetal, and weak green tea I have ever had.  A lifetime friend for certain.

New Brew

Inspired by my first cup of loose leaf ever, "To Life" from Teavana almost 8 years ago, I put this concoction together. It came out pretty damn good if I don't say so myself.

• 1 heaping teaspoon of Honeybush
• 1 big pinch of Peppermint
• 1 - 1 1/2 teaspoon of Ti Quan Yin Oolong 
• 1 teaspoon of Mao Feng Green
• 1/2 teaspoon of Pai Mu Tan White 

It's complex, especially with the mint undertones mixing with sweet honey flavor. Hardly needs any sweeting, since Honeybush has such a powerful flavor. 

I'd like to get my hands on some Jasmine petals and add that to the mix, although it might tip the blending too far in favor of the mint. Also, I'm willing to bet SpecialTea's Honeybush Vanilla would add some awesome flavor to this mix...I'm just not a fan of vanilla. ;) 

ALSO, looking for a name for this blend. In the spirit of Fiddler, maybe Matchmaker? (click it!!!) 

 Haha, I'm open to suggestions!

Your faithful addict,

The Tea Mistress Extraordinaire 

Migraine Tea

Now, I am not claiming this tea will 'cure' a migraine, but compared to the multiple number of migraine medications- from Excedrin to the heavy duty prescription stuff- this tea ranks high on my list of cures...probably right next to taking the day off and sleeping in a dark room with an ice pack over my head. Despite Wiki's claim that Feverfew can not cure a migraine immediately, this blend did a good number on mine within a half hour.

• 1-2 heaping tablespoons of Feverfew (from Morning Glory) 
• 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint
• 1 teaspoon of lavender leaves
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Mao Feng Green 

Steep for about 3-5 minutes at 205-208°F

Two important things about herbal supplements: 

1. If you are on any prescribed medication, check with your doctor before trying herbal supplements! While my doctors recommended Feverfew for my migraines, it may interact with other medications, so please be cautious!! 

2. In relation to migraines, caffeine  is known (and I swear by it) to help migraines and tension headaches. In this brew I added the green tea to add some caffeine to this otherwise herbal blend. If you are drinking this for a migraine, be sure to add some sort of green or oolong to it (I think black would taste off, but if you make a good brew with it post it in the comments!) for their caffeine.  If you are super sensitive to caffeine and therefore looking for a caffeine free brew....white tea may work as a sub for the green, but overall  I don't think this is a good cup for you and your migraine. 

Your faithful addict,

The Tea Mistress Extraordinaire

Oh... That's Due Tomorrow?

We've all been there. Afterwards we find ourselves curled up in bed suffering from caffeine withdrawal or hangover.  It's okay though because that paper got turned in.  The exam is over with, the presentation presented, so all the suffering was worth it right?  WRONG! No longer must we suffer from the migraine that occurs when our high levels of concentration have devoured every last bit of caffeine induced energy! I present to you a study aide sans caffeine hangover:

• 1 teaspoon of Mao Feng Green*
• 1-2 heaping tablespoons of Peppermint
• 1-2 teaspoons of Honey

*any simple, light green will do really

Steep around 200-205° for 3-5 minutes, to taste.

Only downfall about this tea is that Peppermint is not good for multiple infusions. Luckily, it's cheap!

Best of luck with those all nighters ;)

Your faithful addict,

The Tea Mistress Extraordinaire

Smoky, Smoky Gunpowder

Let's admit it, any form of 'gunpowder' green tea is an... acquired taste. Not everyone enjoys the particular taste coming off of the barrel of a recently fired gun.

mmm...We all know how much the Brit's love their tea!

While I openly recognize my addiction to those little scrumptious dried Camellia sinesis leaves, I find it difficult to consume a straight cup of Gunpowder Green. Even reducing the steeping time, that potent smoke taste still is...unpleasant.

Do not fret readers! For I have found a solution (I had to, I have a whole gallon tupperware container of this stuff that was a gift). Although I despise Teavana for a number of reasons, they do have a wonderful blend that makes our friend Smoky Green divine. I'm working on replicating Teavana's blend since they are discontinuing it, and let's face it- they are overpriced anyways. In the meantime, if you happen to have a few dollars to spend, buy a 2 oz sample of their blend to mix with your dastardly smoke infiltrated tea.

• 1- 1 1/2 heaping tablespoons of Tahitian Limeade from Teavana
• 1 teaspoon of Smoky Gunpowder Green
• 3/4-1 teaspoon of Agave Nectar (or Honey)

Steep around 200-210° for 3-5 minutes to taste.

It's tricky, because the herb needs a several minutes to reach full flavor potential, while the green is ready to go within the first 2 minutes. On second thought, maybe go for 3-4oz (if you are on a budget) of the Tahitian Limeade to give yourself some room to experiment.

Your faithful addict,

The Tea Mistress Extraordinaire

Moroccan Mint

There is something about the combination of a smoky green and mint that wakes me up from any slump.  After stealing several cups worth of peppermint from TTME, I finally broke down an ordered a 100g tin from Upton Teas (suggested to me by my partner in crime).  I must say, I am pleased with the herb.  It is more powerful than any other mint blend I have had at the school dining hall.

• 3/4 tsp China Gunpowder Green Organic (Special Teas #520)
• 1/2 tsp Domestic Peppermint (Upton Teas #389A)
• 1/2 tsp Spearmint (Frontier)

Steep 3 mins @ 180 degrees F

Review: A Moroccan mint that will knock your socks off.  The smoky gunpowder taste is noticeable with the first sip, followed with cooling mint tones that linger.  No need for sugar here.

Happy Brewing,
The Tea Fiend