Hi Bear

February 28, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 1 Comment

This blog will not be renamed Trader Joe’s Is Fun. Even though it is and a lot of my tea parties (here they are) have been based on their ever-growing selection of fun teas and related items. This one I didn’t mean to hold off on this long, but I figure if I didn’t review the Chocolate Mint Black Tea now, then time would be running around, and it may not make sense until next year.

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Even with February being the shortest month, I’m grateful to be getting this post in before Spring rears its beautiful head.

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If you noticed last week, I even teased it in a photo, without writing about it. It’s those little Easter Eggs I like to throw in now and again. Yes, I did intentionally say Easter. I intentionally have green and other brighter colors this week.

Along with this tea, this is also about the transition of seasons. It’s a quick turnaround from Valentine’s to St. Patrick’s to Easter. And leave it to me to talk about a tea that was custom made for the holidays. Yes, those holidays in November and December that seem so long ago.

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How did I overlook this one? Well as of last week their still in stores and I understand why. The theme of green works for March, works for Spring, but works universally. There’s something about it I’ve grown so partial to. And it’s not just about Christmas Trees. Well it does have to do with nature. Green just reminds me of what is good and what is harmonious. I think it’s the bear too. I think he looks so happy drinking that tea that I wanted to share in that happiness with him.

Wait, who are these guys? More on them later!

Maybe it was the beautiful sweater?

And I had to bring back one of my favorite drinking cups ever. I think it showed up once before here.

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As much as this tea showed potential, I think it only truly works during the winter time. This is another reason why I snuck this in now. If you have this on a warmer day, it just doesn’t feel right. I’m not one to preach but I hope that makes sense. We seem comfort when it’s cold. We want out blankets, our layers, our fun ways we put on scarves, and our beautiful (no not ugly) sweaters, and we want out warm soothing beverages with chocolate. For the cold (which it is as I write this) this tea is a great complement.

But I don’t think this is a groundbreaking tea. I think it’s fine but I wasn’t wowed, and I didn’t think it was anything out-of-this-world either. There’s something missing. The flavors are fine. Maybe it’s the spearmint and peppermint that don’t quite click with the chocolate. That’s possible. I love that it’s all natural. Well I hope it is. But something is missing. Maybe because the holidays are over, and that warm and fuzzy feeling of happiness has since moved on. I think many are going to love it, but I will need to give this a few more tries, and especially during December to see if my psychology will be different. Something tells me it will.

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The price is only $2.49, so it’s more than worth giving a shot. And makes a great gift all the year round to yourself or to the fellow tea lover in your life. Yes I gotta get all the holiday shout outs while I can.

However, chocolate never gets old and a chocolate tea means a pairing with some ye olde holiday candies I broke out for this celebration. An speaking of which…

I’m all for celebrating different holidays and as you can see I have some new animal friends that are here to do the same.

A bear dressed as a chicken? Well yea. If the one on the box can pull off that sweater, one can do anything. I believe my other friend is ready a little sooner for a little greener celebration. Hopefully that means some more (green?) tea options, along with some other exciting thing to come.

Happy umm Holidays! Yeah!

Love,

Ideen

Matcha Tea Party

February 21, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 3 Comments

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Just when I think Trader Joe’s has done it all. And just when I think Trader Joe’s has exhausted all of their tea options, or maybe I thought I exhausted all of their options, the gems just keep on coming. I love it and hope it never ends. TJ’s has been a big part of this blog, and I hope that trend continues with periodic write-ups for a long time to come.

Here is my ever-growing history of Trader Joe’s stories.

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My regular tea adviser suggested I go back and try out their brand new Matcha Green Tea Packets. They’re new as in released only a couple of weeks ago. So I feel thrilled to be one of the early guinea pigs (not not really) and one of the first on my block to try out something new, something special, and a different take on the traditional bags and loose leaf variety.

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Matcha is one of my favorite teas to begin with. It just has this natural and rough (in a good way) taste, that didn’t take long to grow on me. If you’ve had it then you know what I’m talking about. It’s distinct, it’s natural, and it’s authentic. And the aftertaste lingers for a while. And that’s what you want with a tea and that’s how a tea becomes memorable.

This was memorable.

The trend of pouring powder into a beverage is way past the point of it being a trend. It’s just become what it is. But this might be my first time ever having green tea in powder form. If my memory serves me correct it may be the first time I’ve had any kind of tea in this form.

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On the day I was to try this concoction, the sun was beaming and the weather was just becoming all out gorgeous. The universe looked out for me and I decided to have a sample of the Matcha Tea in hot and iced form. It may have been too sooner for the latter but Spring has shown up much earlier in the Maryland area than usual. No complaints here.

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In heated form this is terrific. It has the exact taste you’ve come to expect when drinking Matcha. I’ve never been to Japan and hope to one day, but this is something I can enjoy on a regular basis there or of course at home. It just feels out of this world and always feels like an honor to try. The tannin level felt higher than a tea I’m used to. But that’s Matcha and this is a tea I want to keep getting used to.

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How about that color? Just the visual of brewing thing was a treat. This is real.

And when the sun in shining the way it is, and it’s still just a little a chilly enough to truly appreciated a hot tea, this was one of my favorite experiences. Actually any great tea sipping can be a a favorite experience. But this was up there. And then the only ingredient is Matcha Green Tea Powder, you know you’re getting the real deal.

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The iced version is more of a work in progress for me. That harsh and natural taste (which I only mean in the nicest way) doesn’t translate as well when it’s chilled. I let my heated tea kettle cool for a while, put in some iced cubes, poured that cooled water, and then my Matcha powder, and stirred it for a while. Stirring is necessary or the powder will not dissolve properly. I had a little leftover after my hot cup.

I first tried my chilled version with no sweeteners added and it tasted a little bitter. This is one that need a little honey or sugar. I added just a little bit to the former and now we’re getting going. But for me, this version is more of an acquired taste. And even in the instructions, mentions pouring it into a water bottle and shaking it until it’s blended, without mention of adding anything sweet. But of course we can create it the way we want it. I’m a big believe in less is more but adding a little more will go a long way here.

The chocolate from Trader Joe’s as well worked perfectly with both teas. Actually chocolate just works well with everything. And at my local store they were placed right next to each other. I don’t think that was an accident.

At $7 this was well worth it, even if there’s only seven packets per case.

I will be having more of this in the future and would love to write about it again if the circumstance, the situation (oh wait that’s the same thing as circumstance), and opportunity to share it with others in a different setting presents itself.

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I highly recommend this and I continue to be impressed with all the great new products Trader Joe’s continues to deliver. Well done.

Absolutely well done.

Ideen

Won’t You Be My…

February 14, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea Leave a comment

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Happy Valentine’s Day. This is a day with a mixture of emotions for people. It shouldn’t be, but our manufactured societal pressures have placed more emphasis on this day than there really should be. It’s one of those holidays that time doesn’t stop for. The majority of us still go to the workplace and to the classroom like it were any other day. And if we treat this like any other day, than it will be over before you know it. Actually it’ll be over no matter what. That’s how days and times work.

Nevertheless, after the previous weeks post, I wanted to see if I had a little more holiday spirit in me.

Well it’s a different holiday than what I’m used to but I should appreciate the fact that my regular scheduled blog falls on this most polarizing of holidays. I might as well make the most of it. And chances are, I may not get this opportunity again.

And if you or I focus on love, in not just the romantic sense, but love of all, then it makes this and just about any other day that much better. And you don’t need a specific day to show that love and embrace for what makes you feel good.

Do you know what makes me feel good? Well it’s not only tea, but it’s the love of all things natural. I love animals, I love nature, I love plants, flowers, trees being out doors, and most of all our universe. This encompasses so many things, if not everything. I’m grateful to present to you two more teas from a one of my favorite go-to’s Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company. And even more specifically, Eastern Shore Tea Company.

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The truly one thing about tea shopping is there will always be teas to fit a certain season, mood, place of healing, and love.

For the love of tea I went with two of the most apropos tea for the occasion. But as you will see, with this tea, just like so many others, these are meant to be sipped all year round, not just in Mid-February.

First is the Chocolate Strawberry. It’s simple, Black Tea with those two flavors added. What I noticed right away is how quick the effectiveness of the steeping came through. The color transformed into a chocolate brown cup at a higher pace than what I’m expected or what I’m accustomed too. I would take that as a testament to the quality of the bags. Either that or I’m losing my marbles. Well the latter is happening anyways, but it was entertaining to see regardless.

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At first I was hoping for more flavor than what I expected. But I’m drinking this with the understanding that this is a dessert wine. And if was too heavy on the chocolate and strawberry, would the whole tea be undermined? Absolutely. I’ve had teas rich in flavors t that could have benefited from a dialing back. And then there’s others that weren’t flavorful enough, that could have used just a little more. I’m leaning towards this wishing this just had a hint more.

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It was good but still I feel like that pop was missing. But look what you see here. Yes I really got goofy here and purchased specialty dipped chocolate strawberries. This was strictly for show but figured one wouldn’t hurt.

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What I also figured is the tea and the chocolate strawberries flavors’ would bounce off one another, as well as intensify the other. That’s exactly what happened. One particular bite from the strawberry and a sip took this experience somewhere I didn’t imagine. For that alone I would try this tea again. But I wouldn’t rank it close to any of my favorites.

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Next up is the Cupid’s Arrow, after someone we may know.

This surprised the heck out of me, and in a good way. I didn’t think it was going to be anything out-of-this-world to be quite honest. The back tea with flavors of cherry, vanilla, and almond have all the recipes of turning into something legendary or a complete bust. This falls on the former. I wonder if its my slight trepidation of embracing this ‘holiday’. That’s possible, but good tea is good tea. And this wasn’t it. This was actually phenomenal.

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I made myself a second and third helping of this one. You can taste these flavors a bit more distinctly without aid from from a sweet treat or other type of food.

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As you might be able to tell the color is not as strong or as overpowering as the previous selection. It’s not like any of that matters. It’s just an observation. But this was something fun. Maybe because those flavors feel more like winter and more like a year round tea than the aforementioned Chocolate Strawberry.

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However, as I said earlier most teas can be had year round. There’s no rules to this. It’s tea, it’s supposed to be fun. Tea Is Fun is not the just the name of a blog but it’s how it’s supposed to be.

Most suppliers give around 20 bags per container for a reason. We will try them again and again with what makes us feel good and feel inspired. The Cupid’s Arrow is an inspiring one. I felt so good after sipping this one in particular. I felt healed. And maybe that’s all in my head but this tea had little more power than it really had any right to be. Maybe it did. Who am I to judge? The cupcakes had nothing to do with any taste enhancing, like it did earlier, by the way. But they look cool don’t they?

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And who are we to judge how one celebrates a certain day. I spent more money on myself and this blog than I’ve had in years to commemorate Valentine’s Day. But it was gift to me, to my audience, and to the universe. It was my way of celebrating what I love; nature, animals, and of course tea.

These gifts I bought can be used more than once. These two new teas will last be a while, as well as my new drinking mugs, as well as those orchids. Which are already outside and have been watered.

The sweets won’t last, but not because of me. Someone else can have those. But I’m going to hold on to the tea. And maybe even those new animal friends.

And those are just some of the things I love. And I’m glad I can present tea in a spiritual way that combines many other things that make me feel love. And this is not just one day a year, not a weekly post either, but as much as humanly possible. And that’s the same love I will feel on this day, the next one, and so many more.

Like I said last week, if you’re looking for a different kind of gift for a loved one, I think tea is a fantastic alternative. And at only $5.00 per bags, it’s a fantastic deal. And they’re ribbon bags too! Beautiful.

This experience as beautiful. And if you want to experience these and their massive array of teas click here.

Here’s my written history of the Eastern Shore Tea Company.

More love of tea and all else that is possible, next time.

Love,

Ideen

Love of Tea, and Other Fun Things

February 7, 2017Ideen Barimani Tea 5 Comments

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I had never done a Valentine’s Day themed post, and it really didn’t cross my mind to do one this year. But after consulting my mentor, and realizing that next Tuesday is that day, which means there will continue to be tea posts every Tuesday, I figured it’s meant to be.

Now I’m not the biggest fan nor am I really opposed to this man-made holiday. Well if you read the latter part, you might think I sway towards the negative. You might be correct.

Love should be spontaneous, celebrated throughout the year, and displayed as much as possible. What’s even more important is that love doesn’t necessarily mean between you and your significant other, or spouse, but in all forms.

I love my cat. I love our animal friends. I love my family. I love my friends. And I love my cat. Oh wait…

I love tea. This is a tea blog. So yes, I love tea. And I love tea so much. It brings me joy that is hard to put into words. It shouldn’t be put into words. I let the sipping and the reactions do the talking.

Yes, and I think many of us know we don’t need a special day to do just that. But in honor of such an occasion, I will make the most of it.

Per my tea guru’s suggestion, I’m changing it up this week in a big way.

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If you’ve been to your local shopping district, then by now you know of Teavana. They have taken tea, and essentially loose-leaf tea to unprecedented and transcendent levels.

I’ve been here many times before every writing about it, and many times since. To say the store is still a bit overwhelming after all this time would be correct. But overwhelming doesn’t necessarily mean bad. There’s a lot going on and there’s so many new teas and instruments to discover and learn about. There will never be enough time to learn about everything, and to try and do so would defeat the purpose of this journey. But…

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I obviously don’t have time to write about it all here. What I will say is that I’m happy that this is my inaugural post for Teavana, and this will not be the last.

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For this first go around it needed to be done big and done special. Actually getting teas here is an experience. So without further adieu, I present by suggestion from my muse, the Strawberry Blush Rose and Peach Tranquility Blend.

Yes, it couldn’t be just one. And it had to be big for this time of year. Ingredients and instructions for brewing are listed within the page. I’ll let you research that on your own, or otherwise this post would go on till tomorrow.

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And it wasn’t even one. It was actually three. The staff member got me a festive tin, and along with getting the blend of the two teas, I also got them separate. So I was already getting ahead of myself assuming the two were kindred spirits that could not be separated. Wait what? Yes, all the love references are deliberate but are also flowing naturally.

Pictures of the tin standing and taken apart are shown here, as well as up-close shots of the tea. Quite impressive right? The process was truly exciting. I’ll get to more about that shortly.

What I will say is that I’m in love. This is masterful concoction of flavors that you would think might be impossible. But no. There’s heart, there’s soul, and there’s a true spirit behind this tea.

The brewing process was an absolutely joy. The aromas from the tea were already getting me jazzed up for what I hoped to be a stimulating and inspiring cup. And how about that tint? I know I know. The tea was a win. The flavors of both worked together perfectly. I could see why so many folks have regarded this so highly. The after taste of rose hips was truly a highlight. There’s also just about every fruit known to man and woman. If you can discover them all then you’re a rock star. I’m happy with it nevertheless. And it paired nicely with some thin lemon cookies.

And if you notice, I show you what makes me happy, brings me joy, and truly brings out the love. Yes, a miniature rubber ducky! Ha. well that and my love for animals in all shapes and sizes. And I obtained a certain special teacup to celebrate even more love. I would be lying if I said the tea didn’t taste just a little bit better because of the props. But I digress. This tea would be awesome under any circumstance. But hopefully it’s a joyous one.

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I did get a bit carried away. Maybe I should have tried one of the flavors on its own first. Well there’s a first and second time for everything.

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Even though I’m working backwards, I’m actually going in the order of the teas that were brewed. Next up was Strawberry Blush by itself.

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I think I liked this even just a little more. Maybe because it was the simplicity of it. It was sipped in its own sans the blend, and even more flavors were able to be discovered on its own. I would be lying if I said one was truly better than the other. But for a personal thing, I give this the slightest edge. And that color is just as beautiful.

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I got another teacup for this one too!

Maybe it was the simplistic aspect of it, or maybe it was the chocolate truffles that paired with this chocolate did the trick. See I guess I’m a sucker for this holiday after all. Well.

For me, this was a gift to myself, to the universe, from the universe, and hopefully someone reading will find this as a plausible gift alternative to the standard flowers, candy, and chocolates. Well chocolates are good. I just told you I had some!

And when I was done steeping I had a few pieces of strawberry and other random fruits. Yes you can do that. That’s an added bonus I don’t think you’ll find on the website.

I want to mention that Teavana is on the higher end of teas. This is significantly higher than your budget friendly teas at your local supermarket or neighborhood store. But if you feel like splurging and buying a gift for a loved one, this is going to be different and I think it’s going to be a pleasant surprise to many. And if your loved one is a tea lover, even better.

Because of the price level of these, it’s good to savor teas and brew in small doses and for special occasions.

Prices will vary based on weight, container, and the tea themselves.

I did not purposely leave out the Peach Tranquility Tea. This is where I will push the pause button and resume at a later date. I thin this is one I will have for the Spring or Summer. I will remember this and promise you I will get back to it. I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t. More importantly, my sense is that this would make an excellent iced tea during the warmer months.

It also gives me something to look forward too. I also feel that Valentine’s Day is good because for many it’s a day of joy but also another sign that warm weather is right around the corner. So I feel that the Peach Tranquility is the perfect segue to talk about down the road.