If you live in the South, you are familiar with the muscadine grape, or scuppernongs, as they start making an appearance in the grocery stores and farm markets about now. They are rather alien looking, as they are perfectly round and very large, and have this incredibly thick, tough skin. They also have the oddest flavor – very sweet, musky like a cantaloupe, but with a tannic, rather bitter bite.
This tea reminds me strongly of fresh muscadines. Which is a good thing. And which reminds me – since the muscadines are coming in, it’s time to put up some scuppernong jelly. Which would taste wonderful on toast, with a cup of this tea.