Tea of the Week for September 13, 2021!
In fall seasons past, we’ve had Pumpkin Cheesecake tea, Pumpkin Chai tea & even Cheesecake Chai tea. But I don’t think we’ve ever had a Pumpkin Cheesecake Chai tea until now. (If we have, then . . . Oops?)
This chai begins with a blend of Assam teas (including some finely chopped CTC Assam teas) for their rich, malty & bold character. I wanted something substantial to hold up to the other flavors that would be incorporated into this chai. I also added a small amount of honeybush to round out the flavors. Then I added heaps of spices: including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, clove, nutmeg & chicory – plus some vanilla bean & lemongrass to enhance the cheesecake essence & finally, a bunch of freeze-dried pumpkin chunks – because pumpkin!
Sounds like a lot – but did you expect less with a name like Pumpkin Cheesecake Chai? These flavors work together really well. Rich black tea; smooth, creamy cheesecake notes that offer both sweet & tangy notes; plenty of spice (I love how the chicory adds a lovely roasted note to the overall cup); & a plentiful pumpkin-y taste.
A wonderful autumnal cup that’s not only delicious, but also organic, vegan, gluten-free, allergen friendly & all natural.
organic ingredients: black teas, honeybush, lemongrass, pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, chicory, nutmeg, vanilla beans & natural flavors
to brew: shake the pouch – this blend has a bunch of ingredients & it’s important to make sure those ingredients are well incorporated when you start measuring! use 3 ½ grams of tea blend to 12oz of nearly boiling water (205°F) & steep for 3 minutes. strain & allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before you start sipping.
I do recommend a wee bit of sugar to the brewed tea to enhance the spice notes. The sugar will encourage the cheesecake & pumpkin notes to pop.