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SimplyJenW drank Holy Basil Purple Leaf (BH02) by Upton Tea Imports

985 tasting notes

The odd sample I picked up months ago…….

I don’t know why this one suddenly appealed, but it is my tea of the evening. Wow. This is really unique. I get notes of anise, cinnamon, and even a very faint spearmint note. I was reading up on this one, and it sounds like something I should try often. If this infusion does even half of what a google search says it does, it will be well worth it. The unique and relaxing taste is just a bonus. I did have a sore throat coming on, but it now feels very soothed.

24 oz teapot, 4 1/2 actual tsp holy basil, freshly boiled water, 8 minutes. Lightly sweetened, but I probably could have done without it.

Preparation

Boiling 8 min or more

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gmathis
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My favorite little health food place has leaves in bulk, inexpensively. May need to check before cold and flu season.

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gmathis
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My favorite little health food place has leaves in bulk, inexpensively. May need to check before cold and flu season.

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Bio

My motto: Drink the good tea!

Tea enthusiast, trying to keep up my cardio for the zombie apocalypse. I have come to accept that I am a western brewing black tea drinker as that is where my ‘tea heart’ lies. I started on loose leaf as a way to have my dessert and not suffer the caloric issues. Once I tried it, I was hooked.

I drink what I like, which is mostly China blacks, a few traditionally scented blacks and Earl Greys, plus a flavored tea here and there. I don’t mind spending a bit on premium varieties on occasion, but an expensive tea has to deliver. My favorite places to order are Harney & Sons and Upton Tea Imports. TeaVivre is great for Chinese tea.

My ratings are pretty subjective. If it falls under 70, I may not take the time to post about it unless I had something specific to say. If it is 70-80 I like it, but I will probably not rebuy. Favorites are over 80 and up, but sometimes the less expensive or more easily obtainable version of a similar taste will win out for my cupboard space.

Usual teapot steeping method: 24 oz teapot, 3 perfect scoops of tea (4 1/2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual mug steeping method: 15 oz mug, 1.5 perfect scoops of tea (just over 2 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, 4 minutes. Lightly sweetened.

Usual pan method: 1 1/2 cups water, 2 perfect tsp chai (3 actual tsp). Simmer for 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup skim milk. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Strain and sweeten.

Usual pitcher method:
5 or 6 Perfect Spoons of tea (this means about 7-9 actual tsp), freshly boiled water, brewed essentially double-strong in my 24 oz teapot for 4 minutes. Fill my Fiestaware Disc pitcher (about 60 oz.) halfway with ice. Add brewed double-strong tea to the pitcher. Stir it a little and enjoy. No additions.

(*SRP is my Sample/Stash Reduction Plan starting on April 12, 2012. I got so far, but just decided it was too fussy to keep track.)