Tea Tip of the Week
Never fill your tea kettle with hot tap water. It might sound like a good idea to help get your water heated up faster, but have you ever tasted hot tap water? Noticed a funny metallic taste? Hot water heaters have magnesium anode rods built into them which are there for one reason only: to decay. The process of allowing the magnesium rods to break down is what keeps your hot water heater tank from rusting and breaking down. It’s a sort of sacrificial lamb. I’ll have my tea, hold the magnesium, please.
The date palm (Phoenix Dactylifera) is known as “The Tree of Life” and serves as a holy symbol to the people of the Islamic faith. Dates are perhaps the oldest tree crop cultivated by man dating back more than 5000 years. The fruit of the date palm is naturally sweet and honey-like and was once reserved for royalty and other dignitaries. In fact, dates have been found in earthen jars in the tombs of Pharaohs and Kings, so placed to give them sustenance in their trip to the afterworld.
When “zenbitch” suggested we make a tea with dates, we weren’t sure if it had ever been done before (which made us want to do it that much more). After several rounds of discussions with our natural flavorings expert, mostly just to assure him that, yes, we knew it wasn’t raspberry or strawberry or some of the other same-old-song-and-dance flavors, and yes, we still wanted it, we managed to create a tea blend that is amazingly satisfying to the discerning palate.
This blend is a little too complex to be quaffed like a glass of iced sun-tea after an afternoon mowing the lawn; this blend is going to require your full attention as each sip unfolds on your tongue, revealing the ancient flavors of a middle eastern bazaar: sweet dates, coconut and just a touch of vanilla. Enjoy.
This is dessert all by itself. Complex, delicious, rare treat. Loved it!
I was so excited to receive the latest tea of the week. Ever since the date tea and fig tea had been mentioned in the forum I had been anticipating either’s blending. This tea is smooth and sweet without adding anything. I can really pick up the date flavor and the coconut is mild with the vanilla helping to smooth. I suggest hot, unsweetened, no milk. My husband prefers it brewed hot then poured over ice. A real winner! thanks again!
I think this is the best tea I’ve had yet. It’s a must try for everyone.