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Scheherazade drank Sunshine by Della Terra Teas

2238 tasting notes

The name of this one is so apt! Just opening the bag and smelling the sweet aroma of apricot and tropical fruit made me think of holiday sunshine and happier days. I’m going for cheering teas today, since that seems to be what I need. This actually came as a free sample with a Della Terra order I placed a good while ago, so it’s about time it got an airing!

I gave 1 tsp of leaf 2.5 minutes in water cooled to around 175. It smells delightful while brewing — light, fruity notes of apricot, tinged with the deeper pepperiness of mango. The liquor is a golden sunshine yellow! The taste of this one is very similar to the scent. The initial flavours are apricot and peach, and they’re juicy and fruity. The flavour deepens with notes of mango, which adds a layer of stronger flavour and a slight peppery edge. The sip finishes on a tropical note, with, I think, guava. There might be a hint of pineapple, but I won’t swear to that. It could well be wishful thinking! The green base is pretty unobtrusive — it doesn’t stand a chance against the strong fruit flavours! I could actually be fooled into believing I was drinking a glass of fruit juice if I didn’t know better — it’s that fruity and juicy! A wonderful choice for a hot day — it’s certainly put a smile on my face!

Preparation

175 °F / 79 °C 2 min, 30 sec 1 tsp

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Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.