C of Tranquility

Backlog:

I wasn’t too excited to try this blend because I’m not all that excited when it comes to hibiscus and/or chamomile and since this tisane has both, it was like … double non-excitement.

That said, this was actually pretty tasty. I learned quite some time ago that the key with teas/tisanes with hibiscus is not to steep it too long. Hibiscus, when steeped too long becomes thick, syrupy and too tart. I don’t want to drink that. Steeping less time will usually result in some texture from the hibiscus as well as some tartness, but not an overwhelming presence of these characteristics.

This tisane is pleasantly sweet – there’s also amber sugar in this blend, which I am also generally against being put in my tea (any sweeteners/sugars/honey), because I like to decide how much sweetener is going into my tea (if any). But the amber sugar does help curb some of the tart and I have to admit that I appreciated that.

Fruity – nice blueberry note. The hibiscus does enhance that berry note. The lemongrass adds just the right amount of citrus-y notes. I can barely taste the chamomile here – this would be a good person who wants to get the benefits of some chamomile but doesn’t like the flavor of it.

A pleasant tisane, here’s my full-length article: http://sororiteasisters.com/2014/08/20/c-of-tranquilitea-herbal-tisane-from-good-life-tea/

Ben and I are in the middle of a very silly research project, Stellar Coronae! It started when we were discussing decals to use on the side of his UCM tanks and wanted an eclipse with a blue corona, I said I was not sure that blue stars have blue coronae because I could not remember if it was caused by elements, heat, or something else. It has been a long time since I brushed up on astronomy, so I am enjoying my little bit of science research.

Since it fits into the subject at hand, today’s tea is C of Tranquility by Good Life Tea, an herbal blend with citrus, tartness, and superfruits. For those not into Astronomy, the Sea of Tranqulity (or Mare Tranquillitatis) is one of the dark spots on the moon which early Astronomers mistook for water. I have a little bit of fear with this tea, you all probably know by this time that I am not a fan of Hibiscus or tart teas, but you also know that I am willing to try anything and everything, because you never know, sometimes I like things I thought I would not. The aroma is very berry filled, like dried cherries, elderberries, and blueberries. It has a sweet and tart quality with a nice citrus burst at the finish. The tartness is more of a fruity tartness rather than a hibiscus tartness, my fear is lessened.

The brewed leaves (and fruity bits) have a very sweet and fruity aroma, it is like a collection of berries with a side of citrus and a tiny hint of tart. The liquid is very berry filled sweet with a bit of that fruity tartness you get from dried berries (especially ones like cherries and cranberries) there is also a nice bit of citrus at the finish.

Ok, time to taste! It is vibrantly red and usually vibrantly red teas are filled with hibiscus tartness. I love the color of hibiscus, it is so pretty and vibrant, I could ogle it all day. The taste starts out with a punch of slightly metallic tartness (hibiscus always tastes a little metallic to me) which of course makes my salivary glands more or less explode. The tartness is very quick, it fades almost immediately to sweet berries and slightly sour lemony notes, the finish is sweet with berry notes that linger. I don’t hate it, I actually finished the cup, though it did give me a bit of heartburn (another reason I don’t like hibiscus and rose hips, they are a little too acidic) so I do not think I would seek it out because of that. Taste wise I could see myself drinking it on occasion, especially when I am in the mood for berries.

For blog and photos: http://ramblingbutterflythoughts.blogspot.com/2014/08/good-life-tea-c-of-tranquility-tea.html