So, I might have bitten off more than I can chew with this Biochemistry class that I am taking. It turns out that jumping into a class that covers materials that have not been fresh in my mind in at least a decade (really, I can’t believe it has been ten years since I graduated High School, so weird!) might have been a bit silly. I am having to learn in reverse, not that I mind of course, but I really should have taken a refresher course first.
Today’s tea is Cardamon Pu-erh from Numi Organic Tea, a blend of Pu-erh and Green Cardamon nicely secured in a teabag. I might prefer loose leaf tea, but I am not too snobbish to admit that I still enjoy a bag of tea ever so often, provided it is good, but that same stipulation applies to loose leaf too! I know there is a big ‘war’ among tea drinkers as to which is superior (bag or leaf), but in my book whichever makes you happy is the best, so if anyone judges you for enjoying a teabag or tea with lots of sugar and cream, you have my permission to tell them they are lame. Ok, enough soap-boxing, onto smells! The aroma of this teabag is mostly spicy cardamon, there is a slight earthy undertone, but for the most part we have lots of cardamon. Which is good if you are a big fan of cardamon, because it is not a subtle spice.
Phew, that is a strong little teabag, the aroma of cardamon has filled up my room. There is also a very rich, earthy aroma coming from the cup that blends really well with the cardamon’s spice. There are also some notes of loam and a ‘market’ smell that is distinctly Pu-erh. I call it a market smell because it reminds me of all the various smells of an Asian market, but with an earthier tone.
Tasting this tea reminds me more of a strong Black tea rather than a Pu-erh, it is very bright and a touch astringent. After the initial tea kick the cardamon decides to dance right onto my tongue, this adds an exotic richness and slight sweetness. The aftertaste is just a touch nutty. Adding a bit of cream and sugar to this tea takes away any astringency and makes it similar to a chai (a bit of a one-note chai, but still) with a much earthier flair.
For blog and photos: http://ramblingbutterflythoughts.blogspot.com/2014/06/numi-organic-tea-cardamon-pu-erh-tea.html
Flavors: Cardamom, Earth
I think you’re the same age as me, it’s been 10 years since my high school graduation too! I have this pu-erh in my desk drawer at work. I’ve been waiting to try it (I love cardamom!). I don’t have cream at work to add to it, so I hope I like it plain.
Oh very cool! I think it is pretty tasty straight, I hope you enjoy it straight :)