Experimenting With Tea Blends

Two years ago, a good friend of mine gave me loose leaf tea for Christmas along with a mug and tea steeper. It is one of my favorite presents to date. I have been drinking loose leaf almost daily ever since. I've always been one to stay inside the box with my tea drinking so I decided it was time to branch out a little.

To start out, I went to my local organic food store and spent time looking through their bulk spice collection. I read the backs of the containers and chose nine different options.

After returning home, I brought out some china green tea I had on hand and started making random blends just smelling along the way. I didn't have any particular way of doing things, which made it more fun. I used a small mason jar to put the herbs in and mix together by shaking it.

Blend One: 2 parts green tea, 2 parts chamomile, 1 part orange peel

Blend Two: Equal parts green tea, raspberry leaf, lavender & orange peel

Blend Three: Equal Parts Alfalfa & Calendula Flower

Blend Four: Equal Parts Lemon Balm, Peppermint & Lavender

Blend Five: Equal Parts Dandelion, Orange & Green Tea

After finding your favorite blend, take a teaspoon in your tea steeper and steep for 3-4 minutes (for green tea blends). 

 After trying out different blends, I put the blends in baby food jars and tied with a little tag. I found baby food jars were a lot cheaper and better size than mason jars. This way I can gift them for Christmas to more friends!

Nothing quite beats a winter evening and some loose leaf tea. I'd love to hear your favorite blends. Even though I only tried out green tea blends today I would love to try it again with black and red (roiboos) teas.