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Maple Houjicha Experiments

Since TeaSource discontinued Toasted Maple Green some time ago, and I brewed the last of it that I have, I suddenly thought, why not try to make something similar? It doesn’t all have to fit into a tea bag. For example, some amount of maple syrup might help, and that could go directly into the cup.

So I started off a Google Sheet for experiments! After four tries, I at least had something drinkable with houjicha, almond, and maple flavors.

Experiment 4: Looks cloudy cause of the almond flour, smells only of houjicha. Tastes of houjicha and almond, with a hint of maple. Mouth feel is a bit odd, and there’s a hint of something else, maybe like almond milk? There’s a sweetness too, from the maple syrup.

Target: Smells of maple! But not sweet. Then there’s the undertone of houjicha and a hint of almond flavor. It isn’t really like the steeped almonds, almond extract, or almond flour, though.

Next I’m going to get some almond Torani syrup to see if that gives it a better flavor. Still, this experiment is drinkable and reminiscent enough that I will make it once in a while, even if I don’t get closer than this. Hopefully I can get even closer while I have the target to compare it to.

Experiment log: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fB8xeUgYyNz7OVpZfvEHghBv05JRCwhePHvTdNKMSe4/edit?gid=0#gid=0

I’ve been mostly cold brewing for over a year now. I reach into the top of one of my four boxes: Black, Green, Herbal, or Chai, and find something that sounds good near the top. Mostly it’s been teas I’ve already tried and reviewed… and this was no exception, but I’m now sipping it down and will really miss this one.

I mixed the cold brew with some oat milk, and it makes a really nice iced latte. For an eight-year-old tea, it’s aged quite well. I can still pick out some maple notes, which pair very nicely with the toasty, nutty houjicha. I had to check TeaSource again, just to make sure it hasn’t come back.

I bought this at Snake River Tea in Boise, Idaho, several years ago. So I think it’s TeaSource’s old recipe. I cold brewed it, and I love it! It mainly tastes of root beer to me, and sometimes it almost tastes like Dr Pepper. I also get vanilla and spearmint notes. This is really tasty!

This is reminiscent of eggnog, though a little subtle. Maybe I should have brewed it in oat milk for the creaminess. Ah well, it is quite good and refreshing as a cold brew. Thanks, 52teas! It’s a good time of year to drink it, feels festive.

Wow, this was magical! I believe I split a T2 order with Sara to get this. I cold brewed it, and the water turned red right away! I still let it brew overnight. It’s a lovely holiday-tasting delight! It’s like all the good flavors of mulled wine, without the strong bite of the alcohol.

This would be great hot or cold, sitting in front of a video of a fire, while snuggling with cats!

I’m sipping this one down as a cold brew. The green tea and matcha come across as rather bitter, but in a delightful way. The chestnut flavor is friendly and bright! Chestnuts are an autumn flavor, and I’m pretty sure I picked this up in autumn just before Lupicia closed their San Jose and other continental US locations, which is very sad. But I’m not one for sticking to seasons. I’ll eat soumen “summer” noodles or ice cream in the winter, and hot chili in the summer. Anyway, this is delicious, and I wish I could easily buy more.

Me: Hey Sara, I have this unmarked paper bag of pyramid teabags, I think from a tea festival, sound familiar?
Sara: Oh yeah, it was Tao of Tea I think, let me look…
https://steepster.com/mastressalita/posts/393751

Mostly I wanted to know what temperature to brew and for how long, but I figured it looked and smelled herbal. Yup, it’s an herbal hibiscus from Tao of Tea! I hot brewed it, but since reading Sara’s tasting note again, I want to try cold steeping it too. I didn’t pick up on it until reading hers, but I do pick out a weird tomato soup note along with the hibiscus and citrus and spices! This will be in my “drink until it’s gone” spot for now.

This was given to my daughter-in-law by a co-worker. The label says:

Happy Christmas Everyone!

I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with you all since coming on this Summer. Thank you for welcoming me as part of the team! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year!!
With Love and Friendship, (name)

This is an Immunity Tea Blend that I make. It is 100% organic and blessed 108 times (the number of beads on a mala) for wellness, peace, and love to all beings everywhere. Drink to your health!

Ingredients: Astralgus, Elderberry, Echinacea Root & Leaf, Marjoram, Goldenseal, Dandelion, Peppermint, Amla

The tea bag has a drawstring and looks like it’s made of corn husk. The leaf and brewed cup smell familiar, possibly cause of the echinacea. From the beginning of the sip to the end, a variety of flavors dance in my mouth, mostly of the “medicinal” varieties. Lots of roots! There’s a medicinal aftertaste too. There’s also a hint of the peppermint. I’m going to give it a moment to see if I feel anything from it.

Okay, I feel good, maybe a little high? Probably blessed! Pairs well with chocolate chip cookies.

Another sample from the SF Tea Festival. The leaf smells almost like licorice, though I don’t see anything like that in the ingredients! I can also smell some cinnamon and clove.

I tried a sip and decided to add some oat milk. This is quite a treat! I love how the flavors balance together, which is pretty key for chai. Overall it tastes like a good gingerbread. I can pick out the cinnamon, clove, and ginger.

I might have to get more when the sample runs out!

I got this as a sampler at the SF International Tea Festival. My stomach is feeling a little off this morning, and this sounded good.

The leaf gives off a strong peachy flavor. The tea is sweet, with strong peach notes and a little fruit punch at the end of the sip. I’m reminded of a fruit salad that’s heavy on the peach. I’ll bet this would be good iced too!

My stomach has calmed down a little too. Hopefully I’ll be hungry later.