Oct 17
Review: Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Coconut Chai
Black Pepper Tea, Black Tea, Cardamom Tea, Chai Tea, Cinnamon Tea, Clove Tea, Coconut Tea, Fair Trade Tea, Ginger Tea, Nutmeg Tea, Orange Peel Tea, Zhenas Gypsy Tea Add commentsDan’s Teaview Snapshot
 | "Chai teas and coconut flavors are exoticism for the masses -- neither are rare, and you can find them in any corner of Vanilla America. But they both still evoke pleasurable escapes to faraway places. When combined here, the drinker is transported to the tropics of their mind. A satisfying experience, to say the least."
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Zhena's offers some decent teas, both loose leaf and in satchels. Sadly, us Teaviewers always seem to be relegated to the satchels. This review is based on the bagged tea, although they do offer a loose leaf form of the same exact blend. Whether or not there are difference, I can't say, but I would assume it must be the same stuff, and they just bag it in house. In the interest of purity, I cut open my Zhena's satchels every time and let the tea roam if it wants to, allowing for a nicer infusion.Inspection of the dried blend reveals a nicer mix than you would expect from a bagged tea, but nonetheless, many leaves are fractured and small. The spice mix appears consistent. Ingredients here include Indian black tea, organic cinnamon, ginger, cardamom pods, whole cloves, orange peels, nutmeg, org. black pepper, organic cinnamon essential oil, organic coconut flavor. I find it odd that only some of the ingredients are specified as organic. Zhena's website indicates this tea is certified organic and fair trade, so I can only assume that all of the ingredients are organic. One thing I would have done differently if this were my blend: the addition of dried coconut flakes would be a great addition for sight, smell and taste. Granted, the coconut "flavor" additive would be essential to give the flavors here, but the real deal helps enhance the blend and make it appealing and pleasant. Just a suggestion. Perhaps the coconut would be too difficult to keep fresh, who knows. The aroma of the dried blend is, frankly, a bit off-putting. Somewhat chemically on the nose at first, and then followed up by what I can only describe as a "dirty" smelling tea. It's weird. But this is in no way an indication of the flavors to come.
Without recommendation from Zhena's, I winged it with freshly boiled water for 4, maybe 5 minutes -- I lost track of time, but that feels about right. The mildly-cloudy cup brews up to beautiful deep gold tea color. The aroma in the cup is a different story entirely - the spices are omnipresent, and that hint of coconut is in there as well. Upon first taste, this tea really hits the spot. You pretty much know what you are getting into with a coconut Chai, and this blend does not disappoint. The coconut is not overwhelming in the slightest, and is just the right touch. It's combination with the spices gives off the air of a hazelnut tea in the aftertaste, despite this not being one of the ingredients here. A lot can be said about the drinker's level of fandom for coconut here. Many folks hate the stuff and just about retch at the scent. On the other end of the spectrum, there are complete freaks for coconut. On a scale of 1-10, consider me a solid 6. I used to hate the stuff, but now I definitely enjoy it in small doses. I can take it or leave it, but when it's done right, it's fantastic. This is one instance that it is done perfectly. So while a coconut fiend might be disappointed, and a coconut hater will probably stay within 100 feet of it, anyone who doesn't abhor it will probably be smitten with this tea.
Chai teas and coconut flavors are exoticism for the masses -- neither are rare, and you can find them in any corner of Vanilla America. But they both still evoke pleasurable escapes to faraway places. When combined here, the drinker is transported to the tropics of their mind. A satisfying experience, to say the least.
— To purchase Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Coconut Chai, or for more specific information on ingredients or the story behind this particular blend, click here to go directly to the manufacturer's web site.
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