What to expect from us? Free samples in every order, comparably low prices with leading brands, a large variety of products, an Outlet store, and new products to be added to our main store.

We'll keep you updated and continue to help you save in any way we can! ]]> Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:30:02 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/green-tea-and-your-brain--tea-video/ ]]> Tue, 17 May 2011 05:55:30 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/tea-with-frankenstein-tea-video/ ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 05:42:57 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/organic-ginger-root-review/ Organic Ginger Root. It was reviewed by liber-teas of The Tea Review.

Over the last couple of days, I’ve been battling a stomach issue. I don’t know if it is a bout with the stomach flu or if it is the result of something I ate (as this did occur after about six hours following a trip to a teriyaki grill place I had never visited before). What I do know is that I feel terrible and have been having symptoms that I am not going to discuss … why? Well, mostly because that’s probably not why you’ve tuned in to this review. Just believe me when I say it has not been an enjoyable couple of days.

One thing that made it a little better is ginger teas. I’ve enjoyed several others that I’ve had in my stash until I came across this package from Element Tea. And now that I’ve found this, I really don’t need anything else. This is just what the doctor ordered! (Assuming, of course, that I’ve seen a doctor, which I haven’t… but just play along, won’t you?)

This is pure, organic ginger root from Indonesia. Nothing else. But then, nothing else is needed. This is delicious just the way it is, and it is incredibly soothing and helps to calm the upset in my stomach. It has that peppery, ginger-y taste that you’d expect, but interestingly enough, it doesn’t taste as strong as some ginger blends that I’ve tasted. There is a mellow sophistication to this ginger that is a welcome surprise.

If you’re looking for a ginger tea to keep on hand during times of digestive distress, I would recommend this one. Infusing this spice for just eight minutes and adding a drizzle of honey makes for a very comforting and delicious cup of relief!]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 05:52:37 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Black-Silk-Golden-Bi-Luo/ Black Silk (Golden Bi Luo) . It was reviewed by by The Little Yellow Teapot of The Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews.

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 3-5 mins.
Tea type: Black
Dry leaves: Curled, tan to black, raisiny/plumy/date-ish aroma

1st Infusion:
Steeping time — 3 mins.
Aroma, plain — Malty, light
Taste, plain — Malty, light, not bitter, great straight, takes on slight date quality as cools
Color, plain — Reddish brown
Taste, enhanced — Caramelly quality<

2nd Infusion:
Steeping time — 4 mins.
Aroma, plain — Light
Taste, plain — Light
Color, plain — Lighter, reddish brown

Comments:

The company’s site says only that this tea is made of Chinese black tea. Actually, this is Yunnan Gold, also called Golden Bi Luo. I tried one from Chicago Tea Garden a little over a year ago and another one from TeaGschwendner in August, 2010. The ladies of Element Tea have also just confirmed this. Yunnan Gold is considered one of the better black teas, and their price is quite reasonable, certainly when compared with their competition in the tea market, as shown here:

Element Tea price as of 29 Dec 2010 on their site:
4 oz (up to 50 cups) at $15.95 — $3.99 per ounce

Chicago Tea Garden price as of 23 April 2011 when I checked their site:
3.53 oz at $28.99 — $8.21 per ounce
5.29 oz at $40.99 — $7.75 per ounce

TeaGschwendner price as of 23 May 2010:
.05 kilo (1.77 oz) at $7.76 — $4.38 per ounce

We opened the foil-lined pack and saw a lovely sight: curled tea leaf pieces of the typical size, shape, and color for this tea type. After steeping, the full story is revealed, the careful plucking and sorting this tea underwent to give you just those tender tip leaves:

This tea can take milk well in the first infusion. Hubby and I also added a touch of sweetener. The second infusion is lighter and tastes great straight. You could just do one stronger steeping if you prefer. Play around a bit to find out what suits you. At their price, you can go with one infusion and still get your money’s worth. Another option is to only use half as much water for the second infusion (we used 16 oz. for each).

Hubby loved the sight of those tip leaves so much, he laid one out by itself in a little white bowl to be photographed.

Overall, this is another high-quality tea from the tea ladies in the Mile High City of Denver, certainly worth being served in one of our special bone china rose-covered teacups and saucers.

]]> Mon, 02 May 2011 19:31:22 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/jasmine-with-flowers-review/ Jasmine With Flowers. It was reviewed by liber-teas of The Tea Review.

I do adore jasmine tea, and this is a delightful one! It smells almost as good as it tastes … almost!

Actually, one of the things I love most about jasmine tea is the act of inhaling deeply, meditatively, just before sipping and allowing that fragrance to permeate my senses. This not only is a pleasurable olfactory experience, but it intensifies the jasmine flavor as the tea washes over the palate.

This medium-bodied tea is so smooth and rich in texture. The flavor of the jasmine is sweet with sharp tones, and I like how that sharpness seems to cut through some of the mouthfeel just enough so that it doesn’t linger and end up feeling too heavy. Also cutting through the mouthfeel is a light drying astringency at the tail.

The green tea has a soft vegetative flavor that is not what I would call grassy. It is more like freshly steamed vegetables. It is fresh and mellow and melds nicely with the jasmine notes – giving this cup a very springtime taste.

Jasmine tea does not need sweetening, and while I don’t think it would harm a jasmine tea to sweeten it, I do suggest exercising some restraint so that the tender flavors of the jasmine are not overwhelmed by the sweetener. I love this tea served hot or iced, in fact, this is one of my favorite iced teas in the summertime! So flavorful and refreshing!]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:22:27 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/drinking-green-tea/ Learn more here.

]]> Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:23:26 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/raspberry-leaf-tea-pregnancy-tea/ Why is Raspberry Leaf Tea known as the pregancy tea?

Women from all over the world say that drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea during the second half of their pregnancy really helped with their labor.

Raspberry Leaf Tea, also known as red raspberry leaf, is a common herbal remedy. It's not the same as raspberry fruit tea. Raspberry Leaf Tea is said to support the female system during pregnancy. The idea is not so much to speed up labor, but to help it to progress at a nice, steady pace. Because Raspberry Leaf Tea takes several weeks to accumulate in the body, it is said to work better on women who are overdue. It is also believed to help produce nutrient-rich breast milk. Although there has been little research (and therefore evidence) to support these claims, some midwives have been carrying out observational studies of their own.

According to an article in Pregancy, Birth and Beyond, "there has been research on the effects of raspberry leaf extracts on animals and on women in the first week after birth (Burn & Withell, 1941; Whitehouse, 1941). Raspberry leaf was found to cause a relaxant effect on the uterus. It is also believed that this relaxant effect caused the uterine contractions of labor to become better coordinated and more efficient, thus shortening the length of labor." This inspired three midwives from Westmead Hospital in Sydney to try and find further research on the use of Raspberry Leaf and its effects on labor. Read more.

Resources:
http://www.motherandchildhealth.com/Prenatal/raspberry.html
http://www.pregnancy.com.au

Tea cocktails are guilt-free way to enjoy alcohol and tea. You're using a calorie-free and sugar-free mixer, and you get the added bonus of all the health benefits tea has to offer. Frenchie's Lemon Ginger is not only easy-to-make, it's delicious too!

Ingredients:
  6 oz Organic French Lemon Ginger Tea Cocktail
  1 oz Vodka
Splash of Ginger Ale (optional)

Use 2 heaped teaspoon of Organic French Lemon Ginger Tea per 8 oz cocktail glass. Brew tea with boiling water for 5 minutes. Pour over ice to chill, add vodka, and top off with a splash of ginger ale.

For more low calorie cocktail recipes, visit our Tea Cocktails page!]]> Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:32:18 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/why-element-tea/ Why Element Tea?
1. We’ve hand-picked and sampled thousands of teas so you don’t have to.
2. We sell high quality products at very low prices. How? By selling our products online, we greatly reduce our costs.
3. Our packaging is designed to keep your tea tasting great and smelling fresh time, and time, again.
4. We save you more money by offering you easy, affordable ways to sample our teas.
5. We promise to ship your order within 2 business days.

Our Story
When we discovered that tea drinkers had expanded beyond nibbling cucumber sandwiches and sipping on an oh-so-familiar Black tea, we tea lovers became curious. We familiarized ourselves with teas from around the globe, relished in new exotic flavors, and explored delectable, new food pairings. Yes, we tea fans had found ourselves in our element. Later, our passion for tea led us to holding tea tasting parties, traveling to conventions, attending seminars…and, soon after, we launched Element Tea.

At Element Tea we practice strict quality control and we follow strategic guidelines when purchasing our products. Those practices involve numerous samplings, improving formulations, buying tea from renowned tea estates and suppliers, and hand-selecting products with raw, natural ingredients. We also carry certified organic teas for every one of our categories.

Our goal is to introduce people to some of the world’s healthiest and most delicious teas, to expand tea palettes and tea knowledge, and to answer all tea-related questions. We want people to have fun exploring this popular beverage by learning about the origin of tea, the different flavor varieties, how tea is prepared, and understanding all the health benefits of this delicious drink. We also preach that tea is not in competition with coffee. In fact it is very much opposite to the ‘get up and go’ coffee buzz. Instead, the daily ritual of tea encourages people to take a break or steal a moment to themselves, or better still, to bond with close friends.

As part of our goal, we also believe it’s important to ensure that farm workers on tea estates are paid a fair, above-market price and that strict socioeconomic development criteria are being met in developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. That is why we have a Chari-TEA, a specific tea that, when purchased, will give a percentage of the profit to TransFair USA, a non-profit organization that issues Fair Trade Certifications.

Please enjoy your experience with us, share your thoughts with us, and, ultimately, be in your element.]]> Thu, 14 Apr 2011 06:19:45 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/tea-the-new-cosmo/ ]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:14:21 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/what-is-herbal-tea/ Health Benefits:
Because of the broad range of possible ingredients, each tea may have its own set of health benefits. Herbal teas are believed to be rich in antioxidants and vitamins. They support heart health, aid with stomach and digestive problems, promote energy and wellness, and are caffeine-free. ]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:00:21 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/tea-cocktail-party/

By Marianne Mullis:

With a slightly more than discerning palate and a very discriminatory digestive system, it is often difficult for me to get excited about drinking anything. Alas, with the inevitable aging process and the chronic intestinal issues I’ve had since birth, things like taste and and satisfaction don’t seem nearly as important as maintaining the ability to stand up without doubling over for a whole day. I can’t have dairy. Coffee is a grotesque misadventure just waiting to happen so it’s always herbal or iced tea for me…I used to love wine, but then it got all particular on me. Beer, well, I love beer, but beer does not love me back. All these restrictions can make the weekend a little difficult for one who doesn’t mind the occasional adult beverage. Being the one to which I’m referring to, I have been forced to get creative. So came a signature cocktail, designed by and named after my self. As much as I feel I have combatted the singular problem of finding a drink that didn’t kick me back, there is one slight problem with the “Marianne”…it’s all I have…and maybe I get bored sometimes. HOWEVER, I was recently approached about some new kind of cocktails…some made with Element Tea. I instantly was intrigued…could it be? A serendipitous union, of mutually digestively-kind liquids, to tantalize my variety deprived taste buds and that won’t make me feel completely incapacitated the next day?! It could be and would be, Element Tea to my rescue apparently. We have included some of Element’s amazing tea-based cocktail recipes below:

Ele-MINT Mojito
Ingredients:
5 oz Mojito Rooibos
2 oz Club Soda
1 oz Rum
1/2 Squeezed Lime
1 tbsp sugar

Use 2 teaspoons of Mojito Rooibos Tea per 8 oz cocktail glass. Brew tea with boiling water for 5 minutes. Pour over ice to chill, add club soda, sugar, and rum, and top off with lime.

Slim Belt Whiskey:
Ingredients:
7 oz Deluxe Iced Tea
1 oz Whiskey
Use 2 teaspoons of Deluxe Iced Tea per 8 oz cocktail glass. Brew tea with boiling water for 4 minutes. Pour over ice to chill and add whiskey.

Strawberry-Kiwi Infusion Tea Cocktail
Ingredients:
5 oz Strawberry-Kiwi Tea
2 oz Sprite
1 oz Vodka
Halved strawberries and Kiwis (optional)

Use 2 teaspoons of Strawberry-Kiwi Tea per 8 oz cocktail glass. Brew tea with boiling water for 5-8 minutes. Pour over ice to chill, add Sprite and vodka, and top off with strawberries and kiwis.

These yummy concoctions will be served up here this Friday at our CRAVE Denver Event! Perfect for all you adult beverage lovers and/or connoisseurs of tea…we invite you to swing by and taste one of their delicious beverages and maybe try a round of Dance Dance Revolution!! Hope to see you there!]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:21:25 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Assam-Satrupa-FTGFOP1-/ Assam Satrupa FTGFOP1. It was reviewed by The Little Yellow Teapot of The Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews.

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 4 mins.
Tea type: Black
Dry leaves: Broken leaf pieces, black color, faint aroma

1st Infusion:
Steeping time — 4 mins.
Aroma, plain — Strong and typical of Assams
Taste, plain — Strong, slightly bitter, toasty/malty, packs a punch!
Color, plain — Dark reddish-brown
Taste, enhanced — Milk and sweetener bring out malty/caramelness

2nd Infusion:
Steeping time — 5 mins.
Aroma, plain — Lighter
Taste, plain — Light, not bitter even as it cools
Color, plain — Lighter reddish-brown
Taste, enhanced — Too light for milk

Comments:
As with the other samples from this vendor, the foil-lined pack held a lovely sight: large tea leaf pieces, not dust in a bag. Bravo! While hubby and I realize that teadust does not always mean inferior quality nor do larger pieces, like this tea has, indicate better quality. However, they do mean that the steeping will be a bit more measured, not quite so immediate. It gives you more chance to “play” with the tea, steeping it longer or shorter to suit you.

After steeping, the stem and pieces show clearly and are a dark coppery color.

This is a fairly strong tasting tea, which was a bit surprising for an Assam like this. Not complaining. Quite the contrary. Hubby says it packs quite a tea punch, perfect for a breakfast tea. It takes milk well in the first steeping (the second one was a bit too light). With or without milk, some type of sweetener is necessary for us. If you like your tea plain, you might try rinsing the leaves briefly before the first steep (pour a little hot water over them in the pot, swish, then drain and add the rest of the water and steep. Another option is to do two steepings and combine them to give a lighter taste.

I was hoping that hubby could whip up some more pancakes to go with this tea as he had with another tea we had tried recently, but he had already had some toast and yogurt, so he was full. You might say, “You could fix them yourself.” I would have to answer, “Yeah, right!” Instead, I just had some yogurt and grapes with the tea.]]> Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:07:57 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Stay-hydrated/ Stay Hydrated

]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:55:57 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/How-drinking-tea-can-help-you-lose-weight/ Tea can help you lose weight

]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:48:24 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/how-is-tea-decaffeinated/ Our decaffeinated tea is produced via a chemical-free, “Supercritical CO2 Decaffeination” process, a method whereby caffeine is selectively removed from the tea leaf. Under high pressure, CO2 becomes liquid form and is able to flow freely through natural materials, like tea, where it can dissolve the caffeine. This is called its “supercritical state,” hence the process’ name. The tea leaves are left intact, and the caffeine-laden CO2 is filtered and recycled for further use in decaffeination.

This process is capable of extracting 97% of caffeine from the leaf. Therefore, decaffeinated tea is not completely caffeine-free and contains small traces of caffeine (between 5-10 mg). Carbon dioxide is a natural part of the air and physically harmless.

As with all teas, decaffeinated teas provide all the same benefits as those teas containing caffeine. They are loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants, lower cholesterol, boost the immune system, prevent heart attacks and stoke, lower blood sugar, and help promote health skin, teeth and bones.

Check out our selection of Decaffeinated Teas here. ]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2011 09:12:48 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/afternoon-pick-me-up-review/ Afternoon Pick-Me-Up. It was reviewed by The Little Yellow Teapot of The Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 4-5 mins.
Tea type: Black
Dry leaves: Big leaf pieces; light, basic black “tea” aroma

1st Infusion:
Steeping time — 4 mins.
Aroma, plain — Malty, sweet, floral
Taste, plain — Strong, floral, some bitterness
Color, plain — Brownish-red
Taste, enhanced — Milk and sweetener bring out floral

2nd Infusion:
Steeping time — 5 mins.
Aroma, plain — Malty, sweet, floral
Taste, plain — Milder, floral, not bitter
Color, plain — Brownish-red
Taste, enhanced — Smooth, slightly floral

Comments:
We opened the foil-lined pack and once again saw a lovely sight: large tea leaf pieces, not dust in a bag. The vendor says that this is a Darjeeling tea from one of that area’s best known estates (they just told us it was the Margaret's Hope Estate). We didn’t know this before trying the tea. Quite frankly, after trying it we would have guessed more of a Keemun or other black tea, due to the floral character of the flavor, not a muscatel character. This does not mean this is a bad tea. We just want you to be prepared. The tea is not like a lot of Darjeelings we’ve had. In fact, it was a touch bitter on the first infusion, which we’ve not experienced from Darjeelings as far as I can remember.

The tea leaves were broken up a bit in the processing, but not ground to dust. After steeping, the stem and pieces show quite clearly.

We tried both the first and second infusions both plain and with a little milk and sweetener. Again, we had no inkling that this was a Darjeeling, but I think we would have tried it with milk anyway. The first infusion was stronger and slightly bitter, so at least some kind of sweetener was needed. The milk, though, added a very nice dimension and smoothed over the bitterness. It also seemed in both infusions to bring out the floral character of the tea.

Despite the non-Darjeeling character, we like this tea and are very impressed at getting two very good infusions from it. As for it living up to its name, we can say here, “Yes!” We definitely felt very picked up after the taste test.]]> Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:00:00 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/A-happy-healthy-you/ A healthy, happy YOU

]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:13:15 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Going-grey-at-25/ Going grey at 25

]]> Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:50:43 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/pina-colada-y-lima-tea-cocktail-recipe/

Tea cocktails are guilt-free way to enjoy alcohol and tea. You're using a calorie-free and sugar-free mixer, and you get the added bonus of all the health benefits tea has to offer.

This is a twist on a summer favorite! Not only is this tea cocktail recipe easy-to-make, but it's healthy and delicious, too!

Ingredients:
  7oz Pina ColadaTea
  1oz Coconut-Flavored Rum
  Juice of 2 lime slicesbr>

Use 2 teaspoons of Pina Colada Tea per 8 oz cocktail glass. Brew tea with boiling water for 6 minutes. Pour over ice to chill, add rum, and top off with lime juice.

For more low calorie cocktail recipes, visit our Tea Cocktails page!]]> Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:28:15 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/what-is-oolong-tea/ It's direct translation for “Black Dragon,” Oolong tea (pronounced Wu-Long) are full-bodied with fragrant and fruity aromas. The leaves are picked from the camelia sinensis plant, so this is a true tea. Once picked, the Oolong tea leaves are processed in two different ways. Some teas are rolled into long curly leaves, while some are pressed into a ball-like form. No other category of teas include such a wide range of diversity and complexity, due in part to the various levels of oxidation (from 10% - 70%). The more oxidized Oolongs are closer in character to black tea, with a deeper color and fruit and chocolate notes, while less oxidized Oolongs are more similar to green tea, with a lighter color and natural floral tones. Such delicacy makes Oolong tea among the most prized of teas and most often the tea served in Chinese restaurants.

Health Benefits:
Oolong tea is excellent with meals and is often referred to as the “weight loss tea” because it helps to lower the intake of fat from high-cholesterol meals. It also it increases metabolism and aids in digestion. Not only does it have a reputation as a dieter’s tea, it is great for the skin and can ease eczema and psoriasis symptoms, as well. Oolong tea helps to lower cholesterol and blood sugar, as well as reduce plaque in the arteries. Lastly, Oolongs still contain some caffeine (15% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee).]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:09:09 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/nepalese-orange-pekoe-sftgfop1-review/ Nepalese Orange Pekoe SFTGFOP1. It was reviewed by by The Little Yellow Teapot of The Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews.

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 4 mins.
Tea type: Black
Dry leaves: Broken leaf, dark-to-light green and copper color, fresh aroma

1st Infusion:
Aroma, plain — Richly nutty
Taste, plain — Light taste, slightly astringent
Color, plain — Light amber
Taste, enhanced — Sweetener tames astringency, more nutty

2nd Infusion:
Aroma, plain — Lighter, still nutty
Taste, plain — Light taste, slightly astringent as cools
Color, plain — Light amber
Taste, enhanced — Sweetener tames astringency

Comments:
If you like your black tea without milk, here is another one to add to your list. A bit of sweetener may be needed to curb the slight astringency.

The SFTGFOP1 means Special (or Super) Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe of the first quality. (The numeral “1” gets added sometimes as almost an exclamation point, as in “This is really good tea!”) See more info on this labeling system.

The tea leaves get broken up a bit in the processing, but they don’t get ground to dust. After steeping them, you will see the stem and pieces clearly.

We found the first steeping to be a bit astringent and needing some sweetener, but it was too light for milk. Hubby experimented to confirm this. The second steeping was milder and only became a bit edgy as it cooled, as is often the case with black teas. A touch of sweetener solved the problem, though. One thing you might try is to do two steepings and combine them. Sure the first one will cool a bit, but it’ll warm up when added to the second one and then only need that touch of sweetener, or just have something sweet to eat with it.

Overall, this is another nice tea from the tea ladies in the Mile High City of Denver. It deserved being sipped from one of our finer floral teacups.]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:57:49 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Vegetarian-tea-room/ Vegetarian Tea Room in CA

]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:25:04 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Tea-Time-Sandwiches/ Chutney and Cheese Tea Sandwiches

]]> Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:14:08 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/arnold-palmer-tea-cocktails/

Tea cocktails are guilt-free way to enjoy alcohol and tea. You're using a calorie-free and sugar-free mixer, and you get the added bonus of all the health benefits tea has to offer. Arnold Palmer's Purdie Birdie is not only easy-to-make, it's delicious too!

Ingredients:
  4 oz Deluxe Iced Tea
  oz Lemonade
  1 oz Vodka

Use 1 teaspoon of Deluxe Iced Tea per 8 oz cocktail glass. Brew tea with boiling water for 4 minutes. Pour over ice to chill and add lemonade and vodka.

For more low calorie cocktail recipes, visit our Tea Cocktails page!]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:23:58 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/lilac-black-tea-review/ Lilac. It was reviewed by by liber-teas of The Tea Review Blog.

Tea Information:
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Element Tea

Product Description:
Smells just like the first blossoms of spring. Fresh, yet mild, real lilac petals bring this fragment flower right to your taste buds.

Taster’s Review:

Lilacs remind me of my gramma. She had a big, beautiful lilac bush in her backyard, and every spring as it came into bloom her yard became such a lovely, fragrant place to spend the afternoon. Since that time, lilacs have come to mean springtime to me, and the source of many happy memories.

This tea brings those memories to life right here in my teacup!

The dry leaf of this black tea is alive with color, thanks to a generous sprinkling of lilac petals. They add a beauty and a charm to this tea … not to mention a delightful fragrance!

The black tea base is a brisk, bright tasting black tea. It isn’t an overly aggressive black tea. There is a light, drying astringency to the tea. Overall, the tea is fairly mellow, and adds a smooth tranquility to the overall flavor of the cup, making this a pleasing afternoon tea.

The lilac flavor is rather unexpected! Of course, I knew that it was a “lilac” tea, but I don’t really recall ever having tasted lilac tea before, so, I didn’t know what to expect from it. It has an enchanting, sweet floral flavor to it. In trying to grasp for a way to describe the flavor … the word I come up with is serenity.

It is a very serene, relaxing tea, and I have enjoyed it immensely, as well as the memories it has evoked. Thank you, Element Tea, for this amazing trip down memory lane! ]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:00:23 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Tea-Cultures/ Tea Time in Los Angeles and Around the World

]]> Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:31:41 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/hearthside-toddy-tea-cocktails/

You won't find a cocktail that's more perfect for any season. This tea-inspired cocktail is not only easy-to-make, but healthy and delicious, too!

Ingredients:
  7 oz Hearthside Toddy Tea
  1 oz Brandy

Use 1 heaped teaspoon of Hearthside Toddy Tea per 8 oz or mug. Brew tea with boiling water for 3 minutes. Add brandy and enjoy!

For more low calorie cocktail recipes, visit our Tea Cocktails page! ]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:30:23 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/ceylon-shawlands-black-tea-review/

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 4 mins.
Tea type: Black
Aroma, dry leaves: Mild, fragrant

1st Infusion:
Steeping time — 4 mins.
Aroma, plain — Lightly reminiscent of a malty Assam
Taste, plain — Touch of astringency, otherwise mild
Color, plain — Ruby brown
Taste, enhanced — Smooth, basic black tea flavor, not caramelly
2nd Infusion:
Steeping time — 4½ mins.
Aroma, plain — Faint
Taste, plain — A bit more astringent, but pretty nice
Color, plain — Lighter, orangey-brown

Comments:

We opened the foil-lined pack and saw a lovely sight: large tea leaf pieces. So very wonderful. No dust in a bag. The larger pieces, though, mean a gentler steep. The dust steeps up fast and strong. That’s one reason why it’s become so widespread. This tea, made from full leaves as indicated by the OP1 (Orange Pekoe 1), steeps up more mild than the teadust stuff.

The tea takes milk well in the first infusion. A touch of sweetener suited us fine. If you like your tea plain, just cut back on the steep times, with 3 minutes for the first and 3½ minutes for the second. You could go 4 minutes on the second infusion to make it a bit stronger. Play around a bit to find out what suits you.

Overall, this is a nice, reliable, basic black tea to enjoy for breakfast or even your afternoon pick-me-up tea break. It’s tasty with scones, pie, cake, and just about anything you usually enjoy at teatime. Another nice tea from the tea ladies in the Mile High City of Denver.

Of course, those tea leaves get broken up a bit in the processing, but they don’t get ground to dust. After steeping them, you can see the stem and pieces quite clearly.]]> Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:12:17 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/take-small-breaks/ Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:03:55 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/tea-improves-brain-power/ Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:47:36 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/mojito-tea-cocktails-recipes/

Put your muddler to rest! This cocktail-inspired tea is not only easy-to-make, but healthy and delicious, too! Ingredients:
  5 oz Mojito Rooibos
  2 oz Club Soda
  1 oz Rum
  1/2 Squeezed Lime
  1 tbsp sugar

Use 2 teaspoons of Mojito Rooibos Tea per 8 oz cocktail glass. Brew tea with boiling water for 5 minutes. Pour over ice to chill, add club soda, sugar, and rum, and top off with lime.

For more low calorie cocktail recipes, visit our Tea Cocktails page!]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:07:14 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/cream-caramel-rooibos-review/ Cream Caramel Rooibos. It was reviewed by by liber-teas of The Tea Review Blog.

Oh My Goodness! This tea smells so good! It smells just like creamy, sweet caramel with a hint of nutty deliciousness. As it brews the aroma intensifies which only increases the anticipation! YUM!

The flavor is delightful. I mean, really, why wouldn’t it be? It’s caramel!

The red rooibos base tastes nutty and a little woody. Other than that, though, the rooibos flavor is pretty undistinguished. The rooibos seems pretty content to let the flavors of caramel and cream do all the work in this cup.

And that’s great because the caramel and cream taste really good! Creamy, sweet, and rich like a piece of gooey caramel – but without the sticky mess and without all the calories and fat of a gooey caramel candy.

Element Tea describes this rooibos blend as:

The aroma alone will get your tummy turning. Caramel bits and silky cream blend together to create a dessert tea you will, undoubtedly, indulge in time and time again.

This is deliciously comforting served hot on a chilly evening – or if you really want to go wild, try it in a latte! I contemplated making a latte myself, but I found that the plain, hot cup (which was anything BUT plain) was so tasty that I couldn’t stop sipping it long enough to steam some milk and froth it for a latte! Perhaps you’ll have better luck with that, but if you enjoy caramel as much as I do, I doubt it!]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:02:05 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/scottish-highlands-tea-review/ Scottish Highlands. It was reviewed by by The Little Yellow Teapot. of The Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews. LYT has great tweets on Twitter, too!

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 4 mins.
Tea type: Indian black teas (not specified)
Aroma, dry leaves: Very light

1st Infusion:
Aroma, plain — Subdued maltiness, almost regal
Taste, plain — Mild, slight tang as cools
Color, plain — Ruby
Taste, enhanced — Smooth

2nd Infusion:
Aroma, plain — Faint
Taste, plain — Weak – not recommended
Color, plain — Lighter ruby

Comments:

Think of the Scottish Highlands: heather and mist, bagpipes wailing like the mythical Banshees, castles and lochs (lakes), and of course the men in their kilts! Got it? Great. Now, picture all of that with a cuppa this tea in your hand. Ah, a real tea moment!

The dry tea is good-sized pieces, which indicates this is more of an orthodox tea, not a CTC tea. The tea has a very faint aroma when dry. The sample came in one of those cute little packets that is foil lined. Unfortunately, they are not sealed, so air can get in. We don’t know if it affected this tea or not, but we think not. We suspect that the faint aroma is natural for this tea.

A frustration is that the company does not specify which teas were used. Hubby and I suspect an orthodox Assam and possibly a Nilgiri or some Autumn Flush Darjeeling.

One thing we always bear in mind is that the sample is a small portion of a larger batch and, as such, occasionally contains something — er — odd. In this case, it was a strange-looking stem with part of a leaf attached. We made sure this did not get into the teapot.

The aroma and flavor of this tea is about as mild as the Assam #1 we tried recently. Unlike that one, however, this one develops a faint tang as it cools, only a slight flaw since the tea tastes so good you’ll drink it all before it even has a chance to cool.

Like that other tea, this one has a flavor that doesn’t really need anything added. It is mild and pleasant. We tried it with stuff added anyway. Hubby likes it with just a touch of sweetener added. I like it with sweetener and milk. If you want to add either of these, remember “Easy does it!” The tea can easily get overwhelmed. If you like honey as a sweetener, use just a few drops.

I tried to get hubby to wear his kilt, complete with sporen and skeendoo, while we tried this tea but wasn’t successful. Sigh!]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 09:07:03 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/about-tea-on-the-radio/ ]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:50:40 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/serenity-tea-review/ Serenity. It was reviewed by by liber-teas on The Tea Review Blog

Wow! This is … decaffeinated? This is really good.

I still wrestle with the decaf demons of my past, having tasted far too many decaffeinated teas that just weren’t very good some years ago, I still experience a familiar cringe when I contemplate tasting another decaffeinated tea.

But, I really need to get past that (as I’ve said before!) because most (if not all!) of the decaffeinated teas that I’ve tasted in the past couple of years have been quite tasty. Serenity from Element Tea is a perfect example of that!

The flavor of this tea is rich and smooth and has a pleasant, full body. No thin tasting tea here! There is a moderate amount of dry astringency that hits the palate toward the end of the sip, and there is a savory bitter taste that hits just before the astringency. The astringency seems to clean the palate of the bitterness, so it is barely noticeable, but it does add a certain sense of depth and intrigue to the cup.

The fruity taste of the grenadine is sweet but not heavy, and is nicely complimented by the creamy vanilla tones. With these sweet tastes added to the decaffeinated leaves, it’s hard to believe that this is actually a decaffeinated tea. But it is! (or at least, that’s what they tell me!)

Element Tea describes this tea as:

This tea combines the decadent pleasures of delicious vanilla and grenadine. The warm and comforting finish will make this your tea of choice.

This was a very pleasant decaffeinated tea. It has a nice sweetness to it (taste it before you sweeten), and the creamy flavor can be intensified with the addition of milk if you wish. Because it is decaf, it is a tea you can enjoy any time of day. A really nice tea choice to serve to guests too!]]> Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:31:03 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/workers-go-on-strike/ "The Kenya Agricultural Plantation Workers Union has announced a strike in April to protest against the continued use of harvesting machines and failure to reinstate sacked workers." Daily Nation.

Kenyan Tea Estate Workers Go On Strike

]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:27:11 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/classic-phoenix-oolong-tea-review/

Tea Information:

Leaf Type: Oolong

Product Description:

Fine, long-twisted, single-stem leaves provide a light amber-yellow cup that carries a highly fragrant aroma of honeysuckle and almond. This Oolong has a smooth, delicate finish that you won’t forget.

Taster’s Review:

This is an excellent Oolong. Of course, I say that often when it comes to Oolong as they tend to be my favorites. Well, my favorite is actually yellow tea, but, I have Oolong a lot more often because it tends to be easier to locate and a little more affordable. So, when considering these factors, I could easily argue that Oolong teas outshine yellow teas.

But enough of that. There is enough room in my tea cupboard (but not much room! haha!) for both yellow and Oolong teas.

This is a fine Oolong. The dry leaves are very dark and twisted, indicating that these are a deeply oxidized variety of Oolong. The leaves unfurl slowly and submit many flavorful infusions (which means more tea and a better value!) But, something else that is intriguing as the leaves unfurl, they reveal themselves to be a little bit more green than the dry leaf.

The first few infusions are smooth and slightly buttery. There is a nutty essence as well as a sweet, peach-like flavor in the background. There is also a floral quality to this tea.

The description provided by Element Tea suggests a honeysuckle-like fragrance and that aroma translates into the flavor as well, with a pleasant honeysuckle-esque taste and even a whisper of delicious, savory bitterness that introduces itself to the palate at about mid-sip and then seems to be quickly washed away by the sweet, nutty taste. That savory bitterness peaks out right at the finish too, and it is rather enticing!

By the third infusion, I taste a little less of the buttery taste and a little more of the floral note. The nutty flavor is still there, but, it is a little less sweet than before. These changes in taste are what I would call “transitions” – they are gentle and not in stark contrast to the previous infusions.

The later infusions are much like the third. I managed six very flavorful infusions from one measurement of leaves. I chose to brew this tea in my gaiwan, and I think that this is the best vessel for brewing a good quality Oolong such as this.

If you like Oolong … this one is an absolute must try! It has such a lovely, silky texture to it that treats the palate to so many wonderful layers of flavor. I love this tea!]]> Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:30:12 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/rooibos-tea-health-benefits/

A new "tea" that is gaining popularity in the United states is Rooibos (pronounced ROY-bos). Is a nutritious, shrub like botanical grown on in a small area in the Cederberg region in South Africa. Also known as “African Red Bush,” the leaves are oxidized in order to produce the reddish-brown color and to enhance the flavor. Unoxidized “green” Rooibos is also produced in a method similar to which green tea is produced. This South African drink is known to be sweet and slightly nutty, and is a great pick-me-up in the morning and a relaxer before bed.

A common misconception is that Rooibos is a tea when it is, in fact, not. True teas are those that contain leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, which Rooibos does not. However, it is often referred to ast "tea" because it is steeped, brewed, infused, etc in the same way as the tea many are familiar with.

Health Benefits As an all-natural and caffeine-free tea, Rooibos is extremely high in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to fight off cancer and free radicals and strengthen the body’s immune system. Rooibos also supplements the daily amounts of calcium, manganese, and fluoride, which are all needed in the development of strong teeth and bones. Rooibos contains zinc and vitamin E, both of which promote healthy skin. Rooibos has also long been used to aid in digestion, relieve allergies, and increase iron absorption, and it is also believed to relieve symptoms for people suffering from headaches, irritability, insomnia, nervous tension, and mild depression. Rooibos is perfect for mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding and has been said to have a soothing effect on babies suffering from colic.* *Please consult your doctor first. ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:30:23 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/about-tea/ Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:30:23 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/unusual-uses-for-tea/ The following comes to us from Vicki Santillano at http://2leep.com

Treat Your Health Ailments All teas have varying levels of tannins, the naturally occurring chemicals (also called polyphenols) that give tea its astringent, or bitter, taste; they’re released as the tea steeps. Tannins also have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that tea can soothe more than just our stomachs and moods.

1. Allow the tea bags to cool after steeping, then place them on sunburns and minor burns (including razor burn) for relief. If the majority of your skin needs tending, brew a tea bath and submerge yourself in the cooled-off water.

2. Apply used tea bags to rashes and insect bites to ease itching.

3. Alleviate sore or bleeding gums by putting a cooled, used tea bag over the problem spot. Tannins constrict blood vessels, which will stop the bleeding, and they reduce the swollen tissues that cause soreness.

4. Put a soaked tea bag on a bruise to heal it faster. Ruptured capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in the body, create bruises. Since tannins constrict blood vessels, they stop the leaking that causes discoloration.

5. It’s said that the tannic acid in tea shrinks warts, possibly because of its bacteria-fighting properties. To try this method, put a warm tea bag on the wart for ten minutes per day, a few times per day. The wart should shrink after a couple of days.

Add a Natural Touch to Your Beauty Routine Tannins do good things for your skin and hair health, too. If your eyes look tired or your hair looks dull, relief is just a used tea bag away.

6. To reduce puffiness around your eyes, soak a tea bag in warm water and place on each eye for twenty minutes.

7. You can use the same method above to reduce undereye dark circles, too. Dark circles are a form of bruising, which means that tannins can alleviate them in the same way.

8. Rinsing hair with a cup of tea can make it shiny and easier to manage. Do this only if you’ve got darker hair, though; tea can temporarily dye light hairs.

9. If you have light hair and want a natural change of color, rinsing with tea water on a regular basis could add a few fun highlights. It’ll be more subtle than dramatic, unless your hair is very fair.

10. Make your feet smell sweet by soaking them in a steeped-tea bath for twenty minutes every day. Use black tea to conquer particularly bad odors. The astringency in tea closes up the sweat-emitting pores that create the smell in the first place, and the tannins kill stinky bacteria.

11. Need a quick substitute for facial toner? The aforementioned astringency makes our faces less greasy, so quickly wipe a tea bag over your trouble zones and then blot with a clean towel.

Spruce Up Your Home and Garden Not only do our insides and outsides thrive on tea, but it works wonders inside and outside the home as well.

12. Wipe down wood furniture and surfaces with a clean washcloth or rag dipped in cooled tea water. Pat dry with another cloth.

13. Clean dirty mirrors and pots and pans with tea. Just as its astringent nature cuts down on facial grease, it decreases grease on other spots, too.

14. Take the odors out of refrigerators and ashtrays by placing a used tea bag in them to soak up offensive smells.

15. Acid-loving plants like ferns, citrus trees, and gardenias thrive when you add a little tea-spiked water to their soil once in a while. You can also use tea leaves to increase the nitrogen levels in the soil, creating a nice fertilizer.

16. Throw used tea leaves in the compost heap to speed up decomposition. Don’t throw the whole bag in there unless you know it’s made of compostable materials, like paper. (Many don’t, so compost the leaves and put the bag in the trash if you’re unsure.)

After learning about the many uses for used tea bags, I might never look at a cup of Earl Grey or peppermint the same way. Instead of being saddened by the look of a used tea bag at the bottom of the mug, the symbol of a tasty beverage’s end, I’ll see the beginning of possibilities I’d never considered before. Gardening projects, gorgeous hair, a cleaner home—tea is truly good till the last drop, and then some. ]]> Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:30:11 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/what-is-green-tea/ Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:08:24 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Oolong-tea-weight-loss/ Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:54:36 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Article-on-green-tea-and-weight-loss/ Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:41:06 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/lose-weight-drinking-tea/ Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:32:57 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/tea-video-hot-and-steamy/ ]]> Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:09:30 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Tea-party-ideas/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:33:18 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/white-coconut-creme-tea-review/ White Coconut Creme

Reviewed by liberteas of www.sororiteasisters.com/

Taster’s Review:

Over the last couple of years, I’ve grown rather fond of coconut flavored teas. This one may just be the best one yet!

The flavor is smooth and creamy and rich!

The white peony tea base is very soft and delicate which allows for the coconut flavor to develop fully. However, I am still able to taste the fresh, light taste of the tea. It tastes clean and possesses a faint leafy/grassy flavor. It is not bitter (and I oversteeped it!) and has very little astringency. It is sweet and very pleasant.

The coconut flavor is sweet and delicious. It imparts that sort of “slick” coconut feel to the palate, and because this tea has very little astringency, there is nothing that stands in the way from enjoying the aftertaste that the slickness delivers.

I just love the creaminess of this tea. Truly a delightful treat! It would make a very good dessert tea, it is sweet and delicious enough that I really wouldn’t miss a more caloric dish. And this is one that is just as delicious chilled as it is hot!

I highly recommend this tea to every lover of coconut out there!

]]> Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:54:11 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/Lady-Gaga-Tea-Icon/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:16:00 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/what-to-wear/ Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/citrus-chamomile-review/ Citrus Chamomile

Element Tea lists the ingredients of this tea as including chamomile flowers, Sudanese hibiscus, citrus peels and citrus flavors. The dried tea was a bright and cheery mix of yellows and oranges. There also appeared to be apples and vanilla bean pieces in there as well. They had a strong, woodsy aroma. I steeped this tea in my Breville One-Touch Tea Maker with 212 degree water for five minutes. The liquor was a light amber color.

I’m not a big fan of chamomile but this blend was actually quite nice. More fruity than floral, it was naturally sweet and just bit creamy. The vanilla and apple were actually the predominant flavors. This tea has inspired me to drink more herbal teas. I’ve developed a slight caffeine intolerance so that is probably a good thing. It definitely did relax me, I wound up falling asleep way before my bed time not long after finishing my last cup. I would definitely recommend this tea.]]> Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:30:26 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/TeaBingo/ Apparently this is quite a hit. You can even play free bingo on Sundays! What better way to drink tea at home than to enjoy a little bingo, too? Just remember to buy some tea online while you're playing. We've got over 100 teas for you to order from the comfort of your home.

Check it out www.teaandbingo.com

]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:17:50 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/indian-chai-review/ Indian Chai

Reviewed by liber-teas.

You may have noticed that I have been reviewing a lot of spiced chai teas lately. That’s because as soon as the weather begins to suggest that autumn is here (or even on it’s way!) I dive in to the warm, spiced teas.

There is just something so unbelievably comforting about a spiced chai tea latte. Creamy, rich, warm with spices and just a little sweet too. It’s such a rewarding experience.

This Indian Chai from Element Tea has a very inviting aroma. The scent of cardamom and cinnamon greets me first, and then is followed by ginger and just a hint of vanilla.

The flavor is smooth and robust. The spices are not overpowering – the black tea has a very strong presence in this blend. It is rich and full-flavored, and the spices seem to enhance those qualities. The vanilla in this blend gives a hint of sweetness and touch of creaminess to the tea.

This is a pretty “even-tempered” chai tea, it is not overly spiced, but it isn’t bland by any stretch of the imagination. It has a warm, calm presence, but at the same time it is quite invigorating. A contradiction? No, rather, it is just perfect for this kind of morning: although it is cold and overcast, there is a certain calmness to the gray chill. This chai greets that calmness with equal amounts of tranquility and introduces a sense of comforting warmth.

Element Tea describes this tea as:

This is the real thing! Rich, Indian Black tea is combined with cardamom and cinnamon. This national drink of India is traditionally served with milk and sugar.

Ingredients: Premium Indian Black Tea, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, Vanilla

I enjoyed this tea as a latte, I brewed it in water, adding a bit more leaf to the water to concentrate the flavor. Then I heated some milk and whipped it to a fluffy froth, and poured the hot, brewed tea over the milk and added a dollop of honey. It was quite a decadent morning treat! This tea is also quite good served without the latte – with just a little honey or sugar to bring out the more elusive tones of the spices.]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2010 07:07:47 +0000 http://www.elementtea.com/blog/hot-toddy-cocktail/

Hot Toddy

A classic. Perfect for cold weather.

1 Tablespoon honey (preferably Tupelo)

1 Tablespoon Rohini Estate Darjeeling

1 piece star anise

5 cloves

1 cup water

2 ounces brandy (or, if you’re me, Jameson)

1 wedge lemon

Bring 1 cup water to just below boiling and remove from heat. Add tealeaves and spices. Steep for 4 minutes, and then strain into a large mug. Stir in honey. Float brandy. Squeeze the lemon into the drink, and then drop it into the mug.

Makes 1 serving.]]> Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:42:00 +0000