My Overall Impression (Score of 88.5 %)

If anyone says that tea can change lives, please take some time to talk with them to find out why.  It has for me in multiple ways but this brew was a bit of a game changer.  I’m a purist by trade.  As a chef, I believe that we should keep food simple and use what naturally is around us.  Grow herbs and spices to flavor your dishes.  Eat clean as possible to avoid chemicals, etc. 

It’s the same for tea.  I only want natural ingredients in my blends so what I’m drinking is as pure as possible.  That line always was drawn with herbal blends.  I WOULD NOT TRY THEM EVER!!!  Something in my mind always said ‘This is NOT tea so run away from it as far as possible’.  Up to a few months ago, I turned down every herbal blend out there or that was offered to me (ok, I ran from them).  Would not go near it as the purest in me would say, ‘That is not tea’.

A few months ago, I’m in one of my favorite stores HEB.  Why is it one of my favorites?  This place is candy to a Chef who wants to see new products, think outside the box and just learn what consumers are thinking.  I always have a shopping cart full of items (including the fresh tortillas – if you know, you know) such as powered vanilla, spice blends, etc.  Last trip, I drifted down the tea aisle just to look to see what is there and I find Blueberry Wild Child.  I have reviewed Tiesta Tea before so I like their products and I’m a sucker for anything Blueberry.  However, on the package was the dreaded term Herbal.

I was heartbroken and walked past it.  Something said, go back and take another look.  As I stood there staring at the package (and blocking the aisle – sorry everyone), something told me to purchase it.  So, I tossed it in the cart and forgot about it until last week when I was updating my inventory.

After getting burned out on black teas, I wanted something different and decided to pull this out.  The weather was perfect for Sun tea brewing so why not?  My answer from now on will be why should you not try it!!  This is such a wonderful blend of fruit and herbal notes that is quite refreshing and downright delicious. 

What do I think this Tea’s Personality is?

• This was my thought:
  • “I have fond memories of myself as a kid purchasing Juicy Fruit gum. This came to mind when I sipped on this brew as the flavor seems to continue on to eternity”

The Price

The price when purchased was $7.95 for 1.8 oz (w) or 51 gm.  This works out to 17 brews.

Broken down:

• 3 gm for steeping = 1 quart or 4 cups finished
• 17 brews for $7.95 = 47 cents per brew
• Since this brewed 1 quart or 4 – 8oz cups, this converts to 11.75 cent per cup. In today’s times, that is an amazing value for something this good.

Aromas

• In the package, you are greeted by rich blueberry and hibiscus notes instantly. These are very intense (a touch artificial maybe) but enjoyable and inviting.
• This is followed by dried apples, some floral notes and green herbal characteristics (could not make them out).
• No malt notes detected.
• Once brewed, the profile was the same but muted due to the colder temperatures.

Flavors

• Fantastic notes of blueberries with hints of black raspberries, red raspberries and light notes of strawberries. Then it feels like a fruit salad on your palate with quick flashes of different flavors.
• Freaking delicious while being delicate in body, acidity and flavor. Just one of those teas that makes you step back to search for what’s there.
• Beautiful rounded palate that gives the impression of fleshy.
• Very clean finish after the consistently ever-changing palate that’s multi-dimensional.
• I found this to be mild at the 3 gm. You may wish to add another 0.5 gm for increased intensity for the brew.  However, there was still plenty of flavor.

Scores

• Aromas (4.5/5)
• Flavors (8.7/10)
• Overall impression (4.5/5)
  • Total score = 88.5 percent (17.7/20)

Foods to Pair and Why

• Before I even get to sharing options, you really have to examine what this brew is showing you. Do you focus on the berry flavors for pairing or the notes of fresh apples / pears?  It’s almost like there is no wrong answer for this one.
• Since its summer, I’m pulling fresh butter lettuce from my garden. Add in some fresh edible flowers and berries for and incredible light refreshing salad.
• I’m a sucker for jumbo shrimp and I love to skewer these for the grill for a quick smoky quick cook over charcoal. I would brush these with a blend of fresh berries and apple cider or good apple juice to make a flavorful glaze for the final moments of grilling.  You can also quickly apple brine the shrimp prior to cooking.
• I love endive and mixing some grilled chicken and apples together into a light salad to serve as an appetizer and this brew (with a splash of seltzer).
• On the same thought process, I love making either flaky biscuits or shortcakes. Take some Gala or Cameo apple slices and grill these.  Once cooked, a quick chop of these added to cantaloupe and berries makes a beautiful light topping for dessert.