Taste and flavour appreciation is very much down to personal preference and that’s especially true for herbal teas. I often mix my herbs together to create blends that create specific flavours that I’m wanting at the time but if you’re unfamiliar with using different herbs, it’s easier to start with ‘simples’ or single herb teas. Herbs can taste floral or bitter, there can be notes of tannin or spice, they can be subtle or pungent. When I attend fairs, I like to have at least one teapot brewed and ready to offer as samples and I love giving herbal talks that include a tea tasting session. I often get asked about my favourite teas so here they are for you:
- Chamomile – this is an absolute classic tea. When I was younger, I really disliked it but as my tastebuds have matured, I’ve found a real appreciation for this delicately floral brew. When it’s brewed from loose chamomile flowers, it’s a totally different experience than being brewed from commercial tea bags. This is my go to tea for that last hour before bed when I want to wind down.
- Plantain – I love plantain for its slightly mushroomy, soft taste. It’s a great all round tea and I especially enjoy drinking it throughout the day as it’s nice and mild and great for rehydrating with
- Holy Basil – I use this as a tea for taking to fairs for sampling, because people have certain expectations due to the name and I love to surprise people! This is a truly fantastic herb with the most lovely minty taste but it also has more body to the flavour that I personally don’t find with peppermint. It’s a wonderfully refreshing drink.
- Brahmi – Brahmi, otherwise known as Bacopa is a fairly delicate herb and the one I turn to in the morning when I sit down at my desk to write. It’s fresh and mild, perfect to swap out for if you start the day with coffee.
- Elderflower – Nothing says summer like the taste of elderflower. Zingy and floral, I love this as a summer afternoon drink and it works equally well as an iced drink, just make your tea as normal and allow to cool. You could even make it a little stronger and then water it down with carbonated water to give it a little fizz!
It’s definitely worth exploring new flavours. If you and your friends all have an appreciation of herbal tea, why not have your own tea tasting session every time you meet. It’s great fun to take it in turns to bring something new to try! Just be mindful to check about peoples allergies and make sure that your friends know to check with their medical practitioner before trying new herbs if they have a medical condition or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
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