herbal tea tasting

Last of the herbal tea tasting course last night.

It has been a very interesting way of learning about herbs. Each week we have had a herb to have as a tea throughout the week, not knowing what they are (though I'd guessed 2): fennel (pungent), vivain (bitter), hibiscus (sour), liquorice (sweet) and marshmallow (bland). The sixth taste is salty.

Last night we learnt a bit about blending teas and had a go.  I made mine of chamomile, nettle, hibiscus and borage, which I have yet to try.

I've learnt that I can leave teas to brew longer than I do (usually I dunk the teabag a few times then take it out). The bland tea we had as a cold infusion, which is less time consuming to take. I don't like tea, so usually drink water, so no waiting to for tea to brew or cool, and water can be gulped down, so making tea seems to take ages! I am also going to try making hot tea, having the first cup hot and then leaving the rest to cool.

Last night we had a fresh, green tea, made from weeds from Gail's garden. It didn't include one of Gail's favourite herbs - chickweed - but only because there is none in her garden at the moment. I usually have masses, but also have none at the moment.

I am thinking of getting an hibiscus bush for the garden - a pretty shrub, good flowers for insects, and can be used for herbal teas.