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In relation to our Insight Timer, meditation sessions, I decided to enjoy this tea as a grounding activity. I was feeling particularly overwhelmed by my schoolwork, so I decided to do my daily meditation, and after I had restored some peace to myself; make a cup of tea. I selected a hand-thrown deep purple mug that unfortunately didn’t accent the mossy green of the brew very well. The notes are deep, earthy, and grass-like. I really tried to root myself with each sip, so the natural flavor really helped. I quite enjoyed this tea, it had a simplicity that made it easily drinkable, but not bland.

I chose a seafoam green mug to enjoy this tea in, and I prepared it just before settling in to watch a baking show. As a tea snack, I paired it with a small slice of cheesecake. The vibrant red of the tea, the seafoam green of the mug, and cream color of the cheesecake all looked very nice together. Despite this pretty picture, I had a difficult time enjoying this tea. The overwhelming note was a super sweet hibiscus, which did not pair well with my tea snack. There was an underlying fruity strawberry flavor that added a nice contrast. I have not tried this tea cold and I think that would vastly improve it.

I enjoyed this tea while I watched the GPB documentary for class. I steeped it in my big white porcelain teapot and had three servings of it in one of my Jekyll Island King & Prince teacups. The contrast of the deep brownish red against the cream color of the cup was very pleasing. I opted not to use any milk or sugar so that I could better analyze the flavor components. Before drinking I took a moment to absorb my environment and to forget myself in the moment.

The first sip left a lot to be desired, as the flavor was quite weak. The flavor did keep building as I had more sips, and especially as I had more cups. The overwhelming flavors were of spicy cinnamon and cardamom. I did not get a strong “tea” flavor, leading me to believe they were of lower quality. Overall, it was still enjoyable and a very pretty color.

I had been reflecting on the concept of Ichigo Ichie and trying to relate it to my tea drinking practices, so when I was becoming overwhelmed with studying I decided to take a moment for a cup. I selected peppermint because I knew it would help alleviate tension in my body and help refresh me to continue with my studies.

I boiled the water and let it cool while I selected my mug: a handmade and glazed purple and blue clay cup. I poured the water over the packet and let it steep for a couple minutes before indulging. The flavor is very strong, but not overwhelming, from the first sip. The main not was a refreshing and almost sweet peppermint. It was lovely how the flavor lingered without becoming overpowering with each sip.

I prepared this tea with a whisk and bowl as I had for my matcha from last week, but I used a different bowl with a designated face. I turned the bowl three times in my palm to admire it, and I was surprised by how much more enriching this made the experience. Really taking in the sight of the bowl and tea as one was picturesque and made me feel like time had slowed down just for me to enjoy my tea.
Unfortunately, this was where the pleasantness came to an end. The color of the tea was an army green with a gray undertone. I was excited to try a sweet matcha to compare with last week’s, and I am not I fan. It was overwhelmingly sweet with a synthetic earthy aftertaste. It didn’t have scent, and did not foam up as much as I would have liked.

This was my first time making matcha and I was pleasantly surprised that it was not quite as difficult as I had anticipated. I began by boiling my water and letting it cool a little bit, and then followed the directions on my tea canister by putting a tablespoon of matcha powder into a bowl with a little hot water, thoroughly whisking, and then adding the rest of the hot water. I then whisked for about a minute and a half, until a thin foam formed on top. I then poured it into my mug and enjoyed it while looking out my bedroom window, which overlooks a small forest. I noted the color being more grey toned, like an army green, than previous matchas I have tried. The tea didn’t have much of a distinguishing scent, maybe just a slight grassy aromatic. The taste was bright and earthy, with almost citrus like notes. At the beginning of each sip, the flavor was most impactful, mellowing out as it moved across the palate. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would defintely make again!