VariaTEA Send Message

345 Followers / 115 Following

77
Recommended
drank Marshmallow Assam by 52teas
6444 tasting notes

I loved this one but it pales in comparison to The Vanilla Marshmallow. It’s still fluffy and sweet but now it feels like something is missing.
7 comments
Edit
Evol Ving Ness
Delete

I love them both even though Vanilla Marshmallow somehow tastes a bit sour to me. Wonder why that is.

52Teas
Delete

@Evol Ving Ness – How hot do you brew the Vanilla Marshmallow? If you’re using boiling water, this may be the issue. I have found that with teas with some herbals in them (like marshmallow root), the herbals can taste a bit sour, bitter or just plain “off” when steeped in boiling water – it took me years to figure this out for myself – but now I steep all my blacks at 205°F instead of the boiling temperature of 212°F. Believe it or not, that 7° makes a difference! The flavors are much smoother now with the lower temperature.

Evol Ving Ness
Delete

Thank you! I will make certain to keep the temperature lower.

Indigobloom
Delete

I’ve had water rush out of kettles and burn my hand, or splash back the leaves… so I never pour directly into the cup with the infuser inside already. Does that mean I’d have a totally new experience with all the teas I’ve come to love(or not)? oh dear. I’m in trouble :P

Evol Ving Ness
Delete

hahahha, there’s always a way to get into more tea trouble.

Indigobloom
Delete

true. And it always finds me!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

People who liked this

Comments

Evol Ving Ness
Delete

I love them both even though Vanilla Marshmallow somehow tastes a bit sour to me. Wonder why that is.

52Teas
Delete

@Evol Ving Ness – How hot do you brew the Vanilla Marshmallow? If you’re using boiling water, this may be the issue. I have found that with teas with some herbals in them (like marshmallow root), the herbals can taste a bit sour, bitter or just plain “off” when steeped in boiling water – it took me years to figure this out for myself – but now I steep all my blacks at 205°F instead of the boiling temperature of 212°F. Believe it or not, that 7° makes a difference! The flavors are much smoother now with the lower temperature.

Evol Ving Ness
Delete

Thank you! I will make certain to keep the temperature lower.

Indigobloom
Delete

I’ve had water rush out of kettles and burn my hand, or splash back the leaves… so I never pour directly into the cup with the infuser inside already. Does that mean I’d have a totally new experience with all the teas I’ve come to love(or not)? oh dear. I’m in trouble :P

Evol Ving Ness
Delete

hahahha, there’s always a way to get into more tea trouble.

Indigobloom
Delete

true. And it always finds me!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Profile

Bio

My cupboard has grown exponentially since joining this site and I have a lot to share. Feel free to snoop through my cupboard and message me if anything interests you – I am always happy to swap!

For me, flavored teas are definitely my sweet spot. I will most often reach for black teas and rooibos or honeybush blends but I do keep some flavored whites and greens around for when the mood strikes. I have a few herbals/tisanes but most of the time I find myself disappointed by them as they often smell deliciously sweet and then end up tasting tart/sour. I have a little bit of an aversion to pu’erh and oolong teas. I am also wary of florals, earl greys, and chai teas. I do not like overpowering citrus flavors nor do I usually like hibiscus, licorice or chamomile. I love dessert teas – caramel, vanilla, toffee, cookie, cream, and other sweet flavors make me smile. Fruits like strawberry, peach, mango, and pineapples will often catch my attention as well.

I have also realized that although I really enjoy adding frothed milk to some of my teas, if I do not like the tea with zero additives (just in plain water without milk or sugar), I probably won’t drink it. The one exception is flavored matchas which I will happily drink in cold milk if I do not like it mixed with hot water. My theory is if the tea can’t stand on its own then it is not for me and I will more than likely try to swap it out for something else.

Tea Ratings Guide (as of December 10, 2017)
90-100 Teas I NEED on hand at all times
80-89 Teas I want to keep around for a cup every now and then
70-79 Teas I am glad I have around and can experiment with but probably don’t need more than what’s in my cupboard
60-69 Teas I would not turn down a cup of from a friend but that would probably be enough
50-59 Teas I can see why someone would enjoy but are not for me
Under 50 Teas I really did not like and most likely got dumped

Location

Waterdown, Ontario

Following These People

See More

Moderator Tools

Mark as Spammer