TEA BLENDING CLASS

This week at Affinity of Loveland, groups of two gathered to learn about Tea Blending to insure proper distancing.  Blending is the art of adding more than one ingredient together to create endless possibilities.  Using a variety of teas, as well as non-tea ingredients such as herbs, spices, flowers and dried fruits people can create personal signature tea blends which are wonderful for personal use as well as a healthy gift.  Once you discover the art of blending, you'll probably prefer the made-to-order tastes and subtle accents you can create yourself.  Experiment!!

Each person was given information in advance on the herbs and spices that would be available to use as well as these blends they could use at least to get started!  

Lemon Spice

1/2c Honeybush

4Tbs Lemongrass

2Tbs Lemon Verbena 

2Tbs Lemon Balm 

1Tbs Ginger Root

1Tbs Licorice Root 

Wintermint

1/2c Green Rooibos

4Tbs Spearmint

4Tbs Lemongrass

1Tbs Rose Petals & Buds 

1Tbs Rosehips

Fruit & Floral Fantasy

1/2c Honey-bos

4Tbs Hibiscus(Roselle)

4Tbs Rosehips

2Tbs Rose Petals & Buds

2Tbs German Chamomile

1Tbs Lavender 

Comfort & Joy

1/2c Rooibos 

4Tbs German Chamomile

2Tbs Lemon Balm

2Tbs Spearmint

1Tbs Lemon Verbena 1Tbs Cinnamon Chips

Then when together we went through the following general guidelines and information on the caffeine free bases available:

1.  Start by sampling some “simples” – single teas and herbs - and get familiar with the various flavors

This is a good way to get to know teas/herbs and their characteristics.

2.  Keep your ingredients separate, in original package until needed
Bring to blending table only what you're going to use to avoid contamination with aromas, taste, etc.

3. Choose a base tea

The following caffeine free bases were available:

Rooibos Tea - Red/Green (Aspalathus linearis) – the leaves/needles are

used to produce a cool, sweet, refreshing flavor which

is naturally caffeine free, low in tannins with body like

black tea

Benefits: more antioxidants than green tea , naturally rich in minerals,

alpha hydroxy acid for healthy skin, anti-spasmodic properties,
anti-viral properties plus contains no oxalic acid.

Blends: versatility of the best herbals and tea

Honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) – leaves, stems and flowers used to 

produce a full bodied brew which is honey-like, smooth 

and sweet with spicy undertones which is naturally 

caffeine free and low in tannins

Benefits: high in vitamin C and minerals, contains antioxidants, 

phytoestrogens (isoflavones & coumestans) used in the 

treatment of menopausal systems, plus contains pinitol 

useful in regulating blood sugar in diabetes 

Blends: especially used in fruit blends

4.  Choose one flavor or family of flavors (ex. mint, lemon, spiced, floral or fruity)

 Use about three parts of your dominant ingredient(s)

5.  For accent, add small amounts of non-tea components For example:
Spices (whole, cracked or ground)
Dried or fresh edible flower petals
Well-dried fruits
Dried citrus peel
Miscellaneous: Cocoa nibs, vanilla beans 
Use one part of accent items

6.  Mix the desired herbs in small and manageable batches and then brew & taste your blend

7.  Be prepared to tweak the blend

8.  Store in air-tight containers away from light, humidity and changes in temperature.  

Each person started with one of the provided blends but put their own personal touch on the ingredients.  There was alot of tasting and tweaking along with these scones:

VANILLA SCONES: Combine 2c flour, 1/3c sugar, 1tsp baking powder, 1/4tsp baking soda and 1/4tsp salt in a mixing bowl.  Cut in 8Tbs butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Combine an egg with 1/2c yogurt and 1tsp vanilla extract until well blended, then add to dry ingredients until moistened.  Knead on a floured surface until dough holds together.  Divide dough in half and pat each into a ½” thick circle and then cut into 6-8 wedges.  Place on a greased baking sheet, brush with yogurt and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 mins or until golden.

Resources:

Mountain Rose Herbs
www.mountainroseherbs.com

Spice & Tea Exchange
www.spiceandtea.com

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8