Recipe: The Gift of Tea Blends
by Rebecca Angel Maxwell
Tea is one of my family’s favorite gifts to give and receive, but it’s even more special when we make it ourselves. Making different-flavor blended tea is easy and fun. Even if you don’t have a garden of your own to get ingredients, the co-op bulk department has you covered! With pretty packaging, you can give gifts of taste and health while staying within your budget.
Buying Bulk
First, you need to choose your base tea. Caffeine or no caffeine? That is truly the question. If your recipients drink caffeine, then you can choose from the black or green tea varieties in bulk as your base. Be sure to choose a plain green or black, and not an already blended tea.
Black and green tea are made from the same plant, native to China and India, but processed differently. Black tea has a stronger flavor and pairs well with stronger spices. Green tea is best with gentle scents and herbs. Avoid any smoky teas, as they are too strong to pair with other flavors.
Rooibos is a perfect base for a non-caffeinated tea blend as it is mild and has a pretty red color. This is native to South Africa. Nettle and mint are native to America and good for non-caffeinated medicinal blends.
Tea Recipes (15-20 servings each at 1 tsp per cup)
Spiced Chai
Combine ½ cup of black tea or ¾ cup of rooibos with 1 cup of mixed spices.
Spices to choose from:
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Ginger
Allspice
Cloves
Star Anise
Black Pepper
To prepare: Add 1-2 tsp per cup of boiling water. Steep 3-5 minutes. Add creamer and sweetener to taste.
Fresh Citrus Green
1 cup Green Tea
¾ cup dried citrus peels, chopped. (Lemon or orange are easiest to find, but lime or bergamot are also lovely if in stock.)
¼ cup mint leaves (optional)
To prepare: Add 1-2 tsp per cup of lightly boiling water. Steep 1-3 minutes.
Healthy Cycles (good for those with a menstrual cycle).
1 cup Nettles
¼ cup raspberry leaf
¼ cup lavender flowers
¼ cup lemon balm or tulsi
To prepare: Add 1-2 tsp per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-15 minutes. Add sweetener if desired.
Dark Mint Evening
1 cup peppermint or mint blend
½ cup licorice root, chopped
5 pieces of star anise.
To prepare: Add 1-2 tsp per cup of boiling water. Steep 5-7 minutes. Add creamer if desired.
NOTE: If your recipient has heartburn, mint tea is not recommended.
Blending Tips
Wash your hands thoroughly before you blend. Use a big enough bowl that you can really sift and blend everything. Be aware that some spices can make you sneeze, which you do NOT want to do for gifts! Blend gently and slowly to avoid spices getting into the air. This can be a meditative practice, and your state of mind matters. Please think of the people you love while blending.
Labeling and Steeping Instructions
Be sure to list all the ingredients as well as instructions. I recommend typing this and printing it out. You can choose a pretty font and even make up a name for your personal tea company! (I have “Angel Apothecary” on all of mine.)
Packaging Fun
It’s best to store tea in a container that blocks the light. Another option is to buy disposable tea bags from the bulk department and individually fill them to give away. I have found this to be the most effective way to give out tea gifts. I buy the medium or large size and put in 4-5 tsp of the blend. My label says it's good for a pot of tea or multiple steepings in a mug. I staple it closed. Then I can put this and the printed instruction in a pretty cloth, tied up with a ribbon.
Making your own tea blends is an economical and fun way to give the gift of tea. Look up more blends to find what you like. Always try a cup before you give it away and adjust the flavor. Your friends and family will be delighted!
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