Holiday Gift Guide - Good Earth Tea Co. – Hathikuli Organic Black Tea Review

I enjoy a good cup of tea just about every afternoon. Mornings are for my coffee, but tea satisfies me better in the afternoon. I recently had the opportunity to try an exclusive tea from Good Earth Tea Co. The Hathikuli Organic Tea #11 is a rich robust black tea full of flavors. 

The Hathikuli Organic comes from the Hathikuli plantation where tea has been produced for generations. The Estate name origin is unique. Hati means elephant in Assamese and kuli means frequent translating to a place frequented by elephants. Can you imagine seeing elephants roam on your grounds? 

I love elephants. Did you know there is an National Elephant Appreciation Day on September 22^nd?  In honor of the elephants and the rich history of the Hathikuli Estate, this so named tea package features an elephant on the package. It is a beautiful full color photo of an elephant among the fields. 

The Hathikuli Organic Tea #11 tea comes as a loose leaf black tea or in tea sachets. The loose-leaf tea, which I sampled, has a brewing ration of 1 teaspoon in a tea infuser for 8 ounces of hot water. Let steep for 3 to 4 minutes then enjoy. I really loved the intense but smooth flavor. It has a creamy sip feel with a sweet honey flavor profile. I also get a nutty and malt base taste. It brews as a gorgeous deep amber color. The fragrance is enticing. I found it needed no sweeteners added as the flavor is well balanced. This tea is a pleasure to drink. 

You can order the Hathikuli Organic #11 tea, along with many other teas, online at Good Earth Tea Co. 

Connect with Good Earth Tea Co.

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

You Can Stop Looking- Numi Has The Perfect Gifts!

As another school year comes to a close, stand out from the gift cards and mugs with Numi Organic Tea’s latest gift items, Tea by Mood and Organic Tea Flight. These unique gifts celebrate people, planet and pure tea with an array of flavors that will delight connoisseurs and novice-tea drinkers alike, inviting the recipient to embrace their mood and sip in the moment or sample the best selection of organic teas.

The new Tea by Mood is a thoughtful gift and is the perfect introduction to the Numi Difference, which features 100% real ingredients for a cup that balances richness and nuance, allowing the pure taste of tea to shine through. It welcomes everyone to let the moment seize you, and grab a cup of tea to pair with it. This gift invites you to take a deep breath and allow your mood to inspire which type of tea you should enjoy. Each box contains five tea bags of the following eight organic and Fair Trade Certified teas and teasans (40 tea bags total!), which are hidden beneath eight perforated doors:

·         Breakfast Blend: Focus

·         Aged Earl Grey: Balance

·         Emperor’s Pu-erh: Energize

·         Jasmine Green: Reflect

·         Mate Lemon: Invigorate

·         Rooibos Chai: Inspire

·         Moroccan Mint: Refresh

·         Chamomile Lemon: Sleep

The Organic Tea Flight is packaged in a stylish, sustainable bamboo box, the Organic Tea Flight invites tea lovers of all levels to sample the best selection of organic, non-GMO and Fair Trade Certified teas. Each box includes a premium collection of black, green, and herbal teasans, making it a one-box solution for tea drawers and cabinets everywhere. The Organic Tea flight contains five of each of the following teas (45 tea bags total!):

·         Breakfast Blend

·         Aged Early Grey

·         Chocolate Pu-erh

·         Jasmine Green

·         Toasted Rice

·         Rooibos

·         Moroccan Mint

·         Dry Desert Lime

My Thoughts:

I am a huge tea lover. It is what powers me through the day and also what relaxes me at night. Picking the right tea has never been easier since trying Numi! They have a wide variety of teas to choose from. Each one of these tea combination packs are ideal! Whether you are buying for yourself, a friend, teacher, or loved one, Numi will have you in tea nirvana!

Tea by Mood is the perfect pack if you're someone (or if you know someone) who enjoys tea to raise their mood or energy level! Numi has everything from tea to help you focus, sleep, feel balanced and inspired, or energized. As someone who uses tea holistically, this was my go to for when I needed to relax, recharge, or desired a little boost in power. Each cup of tea did what it said it was going to! I was truly impressed. The teas were rich, flavorful, and you enjoyed the luxury of herbs floating in the cup to make the experience feel ever more natural and healthy. With 40 bags to go along with it, I'm ready to get through any day! It's a huge help during these summer months where I'm on the go for work from early morning to night.  

The Organic Tea Flight was such a treat! I am a huge fan of bamboo and the box was absolutely gorgeous. The artistry of it is phenomenal and it'll make the perfect storage box for the future after I enjoy the luscious teas! If you'll looking for a unique group of flavors and something to enjoy that is GMO free, Fair Trade and organic, this is the combination pack for you! Although I loved all of them, the Chocolate Pu-erh stood out to me as a chocolate lover. It was nice to enjoy the taste of the sweet treat in a healthy way. Like the teas above, you will get to enjoy a nice blend of green, black and herbal tea experiences with a variety of choices to enjoy day to day. With 45 bags in each set this is a wonderful gift for you or a loved one! 

Connect with Numi:

Their website  Facebook  Twitter

Take the The Numi “Pu-erh Challenge” to help with your weightloss

When trying to lose weight, many people worry about what they are eating, not what they are drinking. The Numi “Pu-erh Challenge” is to replace your daily “fix” beverage of choice (such as coffee, soda, energy drinks) with any of Numi’s Organic Pu-erh flavors for two weeks.  Ideally during the two weeks you will drink only water and pu-erh tea however even one simple daily swap can make a big difference over the course of the challenge.

Like green or white tea, pu-erh is its own category of tea. Richer than black tea, wonderfully smooth, and malty, pu-erh provides a natural boost of sustained energy that delivers focus and clarity. Numi’s Organic pu-erh is sourced from old-growth, wild tea trees in the Yunnan Province of China that are said to give forth “chi,” or life energy.

For centuries, pu-erh has been celebrated in Chinese culture to have a myriad of health benefits.  While formal scientific research is still in early stages, clinical trials conducted in China and France have found promising results that substantiate cultural beliefs and anecdotal evidence that pu-erh can help improve digestion and circulation and increase metabolism and energy, supporting healthy weight loss.

Numi’s distinct Pu-erh Tea blends include (SRP: $8.99/box):

Cardamom Pu-erh

This luxurious blend of rich black Pu∙erh tea is enlivened by the spicy and crisp hints of sweet green cardamom. The exotic and aromatic experience of this one-of-a-kind specialty tea is truly an adventure of the senses.

Chocolate Pu-erh

This velvety infusion combines black Pu∙erh tea and organic cocoa. Accented by whole vanilla beans and sweet orange peel, this decadent blend is rounded off with nutmeg and cinnamon for a spicy finish.

Emperor’s Pu-erh

Pu∙erh boasts a deep bold body that is smooth and earthy with hints of malt. This rich, energizing tea is deeply satisfying as a coffee alternative. Numi is proud to reveal the centuries old tradition of Pu∙erh.

Ginger Pu-erh

This delicious and antioxidant-rich tea balances the deep earthy taste of black Pu∙erh tea with the peppery, spicy notes of ginger. A hearty and warming tea filled with healthful benefits.

Connect with Numi

Visit NumiTea.com and follow Numi at Facebook.com/NumiTea and Twitter.com/NumiTea.

My Thoughts

I love tea. I could drink tea all day, but I also have to get my water in (I suppose). I was excited to give these teas from Numi a try. I had the holiday sampler pack and fell in love with many of the teas. I like the bold flavors of these. They are very flavorful, as well, they always smell very good.

I tried three of the four flavors above. My favorite was Chocolate Pu-erh, of course. Chocolate and tea, yes please. This wasn't strong in the chocolate flavor, but it was there. It also had a nice smell of chocolate when I sipped. It wasn't an overly sweet tea, so depending on how you like your tea, you might need to add your sweetener of choice. I found myself calling this my dessert tea in the evenings. I've been trying to watch my weight after the holidays and this tea can usually satisfy my sweet tooth.

The next tea I tried was Cardamom Pu-erh. I did like this one, but it was a but too bold for me, so I didn't find myself grabbing it as much. This one I usually needed to add a little creamer to in order to enjoy, but I really like the way this one smelled.

The third one I tried was Ginger Pu-erh. I liked this one. I could taste the ginger and another taste I can't figure out, but it was a good mix. I was able to drink this one with just adding a little stevia. The ginger in this one helped when I had an upset stomach, but it was also enjoyable in the afternoon when I needed something warm. This one smelled really good, like the others.

Numi makes a great tea product. I have liked almost every tea of theirs I have tried. Be sure to introduce the tea lover in your life to Numi.

Which chocolate is perfectly paired with Pique teas?

Chocolate and cheese, chocolate and wine, even chocolate and beer. While these are very delicious pairings, how about trying a fresh, new pairing idea this Valentine’s Day: chocolate and tea. Introducing: Pique Tea, a revolutionary new line of organic Tea Crystals, and the perfect pairs to any chocolate cravings, courtesy of renowned Tea Master.

• Dark Chocolate + Pique Tea English Breakfast—The robust body and woodsy, floral notes of our English Breakfast pairs perfectly with the earthy boldness of a fine, high percentage dark chocolate for a marriage of tantalizing flavors and long subtle finishes.

• Milk Chocolate Truffles + Pique Tea Earl Grey—The citrusy notes in our exquisitely balanced Earl Grey pair perfectly with milk chocolate truffles. The fresh scent of natural bergamot accentuates the rich velvety texture of decadent milk chocolate ganache filling.

• White Chocolate + Pique Tea Jasmine—The seductive fragrance of fresh Jasmine petals mixes perfectly with the heady and aromatic vanilla notes of sweet white chocolate for a heavenly combination of vanilla and jasmine.

Connect with Pique Tea

Website - Facebook - Twitter

My Thoughts

I'm a big tea lover and was excited to give this Pique tea a try. I could drink tea all day and this tea is kind of like the convenient tea. It comes in a powder form and you add to the mug before adding hot water. For me, I use my Keurig machine.

I found the tea to be flavorful. It did taste just slightly different than when I brew tea from a tea bag, but it wasn't too different that I didn't want to drink it. I liked how if in a hurry, I had my tea right away, added some stevia, and was ready to enjoy my cup.

Each flavor was good. I got to try a Jasmine Green, Earl Gray, and English Breakfast. English Breakfast in both Pique and in regular tea, is my favorite. I drink it each morning instead of coffee. These comes in individual packets. You could easily keep the packets in your purse for work or when traveling. These are also organic, so that was a big plus for me too.

I think the idea behind Pique is great and any tea lover will enjoy it.

Moringa Tea from Organic India - Destress this holiday season

Kale. Turmeric. Acai. New superfoods contend each year for a place in our American diet.

Deemed by NPR as an emerging kale-competitor, moringa (Moringa oleifera) has been eaten for centuries, serving impoverished communities and combating malnutrition—46 antioxidants, abundant minerals and minerals. The plant offers more vitamin A than carrots, more potassium than bananas, more calcium and protein than milk, more fiber than oats and more iron than spinach.


With a green tea-like taste, moringa supports healthy heart function, liver function, energy levels, anti-aging antioxidants, and overall immune system. One of the brands bringing the plant to U.S shelves is ORGANIC INDIA— the first global brand to distribute organic moringa powder and capsules to the natural category’s nationwide shelves in 2013 and moringa tulsi tea in 2014.

Connect with Organic India

Website - Facebook - Twitter

My Thoughts

I was sent a sample of the Moringa tulsi tea as well as a bottle of capsules to try. I really enjoyed the tea. It was very flavorful and had a very neutral taste. It wasn't over strong and it wasn't weak either. More of a pleasant tea and I was able to drink it quickly due to liking the taste.

It was a clearer tea, much like green tea. I sweetened it with stevia, but you could use whatever sweetener you like, or drink it unsweetened if that's your preference. When taking this tea, I did feel less stressed, as the package claims. I usually have a cup at the end of the day when things get a bit more hectic. I like knowing that not only am I having an enjoyable drink, but it's also good for me.

I did not try the capsules that were sent due to a warning label on them. It stated on the CAPSULES ONLY that there was an ingredient in it that was known to cause birth defects as well as reproductive harm. While I am not pregnant and don't plan to be pregnant, I just didn't feel safe taking it. However, the tea did not have that warning on it. It did, however, suggest that if pregnant or nursing, to check with your health care provider before drinking the tea.

Holiday Gift Guide - Numi Organic Tea - Tea by Mood

Numi Organic Tea, known for delicious organic, non-GMO and Fair Trade Certified teas and teasans, is proud to introduce their new 2015 gift items: Tea by Mood and Organic Tea Flight. These unique gifts celebrate people, planet and pure tea with an array of flavors that will delight connoisseurs and novice-tea drinkers alike, inviting the recipient to embrace their mood and sip in the moment or sample the best selection of organic teas.

Tea by Mood

This thoughtful gift is the perfect introduction to the Numi Difference, which features 100% real ingredients for a cup that balances richness and nuance, allowing the pure taste of tea to shine through. It welcomes everyone to let the moment seize you, and grab a cup of tea to pair with it. This gift invites you to take a deep breath and allow your mood to inspire which type of tea you should enjoy. “One of the beautiful traditions of tea is the ritual that goes alongside its preparation,” says Reem Hassani Rahim, Co-Founder and CBO of Numi Organic Tea. “When I sit down for my daily cup of tea, I take a deep breath and use the moment as a time of meditation, relaxation, and thoughtfulness. I long to be one with the cup of tea, and am grateful for the time that it gives me to focus, to reflect, to be inspired, and to feel balanced. With Tea by Mood, we have created a gift item that helps guide your own tea ritual and invite you to embrace the mood and sip the moment.” Each box contains five tea bags of the following eight organic and Fair Trade Certified teas and teasans (40 tea bags total!), which are hidden beneath eight perforated doors:

· Breakfast Blend: Focus

· Aged Earl Grey: Balance

· Emperor’s Pu-erh: Energize

· Jasmine Green: Reflect

· Mate Lemon: Invigorate

· Rooibos Chai: Inspire

· Moroccan Mint: Refresh

· Chamomile Lemon: Sleep


NUMI ORGANIC TEA

Founded in 1999 by brother and sister team Ahmed Rahim (the alchemist) and Reem Rahim (the artist), Numi Organic Tea is a purveyor of premium quality organic, non-GMO and fair trade certified teas and teasans. Numi blends its organic leaf teas in a solar-powered facility with only real herbs, fruits, flowers and spices—not unnecessary “natural” flavorings or perfumes. All Numi products are packaged in recycled-content containers and non-GMO verified biodegradable bags and are available in retail outlets in more than 30 countries worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands and online at www.NumiTea.com. An award-winning social enterprise and founding B-Corporation member, Numi supports community development projects worldwide. To learn more, visit NumiTea.com and follow Numi at Facebook.com/NumiTea and Twitter.com/NumiTea.

My Thoughts

This was very tasty tea. I liked all the different varieties that came and being able to match it up to how I felt. These teas all had a very unique taste and they were stronger than the average bagged tea you get. I got more of a taste you'd get if you were drinking loose leaf tea.

In the container, you got 5 bags of each tea. My favorite flavor was the breakfast blend. I normally drink English Breakfast each morning, so I was looking forward to see how this one compared. It was a much richer taste then the blend I drink now. Much more flavorful.

I liked all the teas - minus one - in this package. The Chamomile Lemon was probably a close second to being one of my favorites. Its mood was sleep, and I used it one evening after a stressful day and it really did put me in a better and more relaxed mood.

This is great for a gift or even just to have a variety of teas at home so you can have one that best matches your mood. Best of all, they are organic and you can feel good about what you're ingesting.

Get cozy with Plum Deluxe organic loose leaf teas

Founded in 2008, their organic loose leaf tea and daily featured articles help readers slow down and connect with themselves and the important moments in their lives. The site is a tribute to the founders mother, who lost a brave 6-year battle with breast cancer but never forgot to enjoy “the little things” in life.

Plum Deluxe has a popular tea of the month club as well as an online shop, all hand blended teas infused with love and positive energy.

Connect with Plum Deluxe

Website - Facebook - Instagram

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this tea. I am a big tea drinker, but new to loose leaf tea. You will need a tea strainer to enjoy these teas. The first one I tried was the Oregon Breakfast Tea Blend. It was unique in flavor. Each morning I drink English breakfast tea to start my day and I was expecting a taste similar to that tea. It was slightly close, but it was much more flavorful. The hazelnut flavor mixed with orange was very evident in the tea and taste. Over all, I really liked this tea and have enjoyed it a few more times. My first batch, I used too much tea, but my second I used roughly a tablespoon and found it much more enjoyable.

The second one I tried was the Garden Grove Green Tea. This one was really good. I'm a mixed fan on green tea usually. I often drink it because it's one of those teas that has a reputation for being good for you, but I can't say I necessarily enjoy it. That changed with the Garden Grove Green Tea. The taste was amazing. It was naturally sweet and the aroma coming form the tea as I sipped it made me feel good. This is a tea I could see myself using as a dessert tea in the evenings, when I'm trying to keep myself out of the cookie jar.

You can tell from the tea that Plum Deluxe puts a lot of pride into their product. The quality of this tea is great, and I really felt like I was getting a great product. If you enjoy tea, check out Plum Deluxe.