A Nice Cuppa

I have a confession … I thought that the Choice brand of organic teas was a generic store brand. Not that I have anything against generics mind you, but they aren’t really a splurge in my book. Consequently, the higher price of Choice Organic Teas (relatively speaking) caused me to pass on the brand whenever I was looking for a new tea to try. Perhaps it was the name “Choice” or the look of the simplistic label. I wonder if others have the same impression and if this might impact their sales just a bit? Or, maybe it’s just me.

Once I procured samples of these teas (two of their newest in fact), I was pleasantly surprised by their virtue. Choice Organic Teas are Organic, sustainably manufactured and fair trade certified. In fact, in 2000 Choice Organic Teas became the first tea crafter in the United States to offer Fair Trade Certified™ tea. Where have I been?

Himalaya Green Tea

A new variety in the extensive Choice line-up, this tea is definitely for “real” green tea fans. Pure green tea, as enjoyed in Asia, can be slightly bitter, grassy and not a touch sweet. Many Americanized green teas have been sweetened or produce a weak brew, but Choice hasn’t bowed to the popularity contest. Their green tea holds true to its roots and is a mighty strong green at that. On their site, they’ve labeled it “gently refreshing.” While I enjoyed the tea, those aren’t the descriptive words I would use. It had a pure, bold and distinct flavor that reminded me greatly of the tea that was served in my favorite Chinese restaurant (managed by a friend from Hong Kong who imported all of his teas).

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of leaving the tea bag in my mug for too long. My favorite mug is quite large and since so many teas are weak, I rarely need to remove the bag promptly nor do they ever have enough potency to make a second cup. But, this Himalaya green tea from Choice is strong and alas, becomes a bit bitter if allowed it to brew for too long. Be sure to remove the bag after a few minutes and enjoy a second jumbo mug of the green stuff!

Oh yes, in case the whole organic, fair trade thing wasn’t enough, Choice donates 10¢ per box to Save The Himalayan Kingdom, a non-profit organization with programs focused on environment, health, and literacy issues.

Lemon Lavender Mint Herb Tea

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this flavor combination. Peppermint tea is one of my favorite morning teas, for its refreshing caffeine-free wake up call; I find lemon to be a bit sharp in flavor, while lavender is soothing and relaxing, a bedtime herb if you will. The entire package seemed a bit contradictory, so I was somewhat apprehensive.

Because of the lavender, I opted to enjoy it as a nightcap. I usually enjoy a cup of chamomile in the evening to relax my senses, but I was pleasantly surprised by the soothing powers of lavender. This was my first taste of lavender (infused or otherwise), and I was surprised at how mellow it was in flavor. The mint was much more sedated than my bold peppermint tea, it enlivened the lavender and left a nice clean aftertaste. Luckily, I really didn’t detect the lemon, as I am not a huge fan of lemon in tea.

I really was pleasantly surprised by the seductive blend of this tea. It was soothing, calming and fresh. Its nice crisp taste left me feeling warm and relaxed. I think it may be time to for me to move on from the chamomile tea and welcome this new flavor infusion. A definite two thumbs up.

Where to Purchase: Obviously this stuff isn’t too hard to find if I was mistaking it for a generic (boy do I feel foolish now!). But… if you can’t find it in your local store, see the Choice website to order. Their tea comes in packages of 16 individually packaged tea bags. Prices range from $3.45-5.65 per box of 16. Loose leaf teas are also available.