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First Review. Tea and stories. I tell stories, as anyone who has stopped to read my reviews can tell…and I ramble on many times. I come from a family where Faith was part of the daily pattern of life and I always liked that even as a child. My dad and brother went to Seminary, so I weave my personal stories in naturally…but not to preach. The stories are part of the rhythm of my life. Tea is also that to a different degree.
This morning I awoke after a LONG evening of services leading up to
Pascha ( Orthodox Easter) which will be late tonight.
So this morning…I see the Holy Basil blend. Fr. Evan says Greeks usually grow basil in a pot by the front door so that the aroma blesses a visitor to your home. Also, Holy Basil fresh leaves were used by the Priest to bless my house, which is done every year. The leaves were dipped in Holy Water and sprinkled around each room while he sang even on me (my grandkids came to join in and Fr. Even did magic tricks for them).

Tasting notes start here
What would Holy Basil Spa Blend taste like. I wanted a morning where a refreshing tea was in order. This is a good day for that. I steeped 4 minutes and took a sip. Ummmm. The mint and ginger did not overpower this blend at all and I am thrilled! I don’t appreciate having a blend where you only can taste the mint or ginger because the tea blender only cares about the major flavors and sees the supporting cast almost as fillers. Right away I am enjoying the mild pepperiness. There has been attention given to how the tea will coat the mouth and it is silky and rich. You would not expect this from mint and ginger, but the burdock root and fennel bring body that I like, giving depth and warmth not dependant on ginger’s heat. I grow basil in several varieties but this type I associate more like incense so it evokes those calm reflective responses. I love the taste and scent. I could smell the licorice root in the wet mash but it doesn’t stand out on it’s own which again I am happy for. The licorice is supporting the basil. This is juicy. The fennel makes me want to bake bread. I love the way this little addition stops you from going down the mint track and brings you back to the ginger and burdock in a circle of cool, warm, cool, warm. The pepper at the finish is nice and hot at the tip of the tongue. I added sweetening but not honey. I hate to mask the flavor of tea. Maybe next time. If I make a Mayer Lemon honey I might try that iced this Summer…sounds refreshing with a sprig of basil! I would keep buying this blend!

Great relaxation tea. No caffeine! Wonderful mixer potental! I can see this as a tea with Greek food or chicken or salad with feta and capers. Good with Greek yoghert and fresh figs and honey or berries.