Review: Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Christmas Coco Spice

Nov 03

Review: Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Christmas Coco Spice

Jamie’s Teaview Snapshot

"Perhaps even more than coconut, pepper is the most prevalent taste feature, and it lingers on a while, giving this blend a lot of interest while you are sipping and afterwards. "

Jamie’s Teaview:	7/10
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For some reason, when I read the coco in the name of this tea, I thought of chocolate...but actually, coco here refers to coconut. There are some great coconut teas out there...I generally have had good luck with the taste of them being natural and not weird, so I wasn't dismayed to realize my misinterpretation of the title.

This particular blend of Zhena's is a looseleaf seasonal herbal blend, in a rooibos base. The tea is not listed for sale at her website right now, that I can see (though a number of other tantalizing blends, herbal and otherwise, are), so I'm assuming that this seasonal offering is a gift we can anticipate for the holiday 2009 season. Don't quote me for sure, though.

The blend is a rooibos based, spicy sweet blend featuring bright pink peppercorns in abundance, whole cloves, many slender shreds of coconut, lots of cardamom shells (and probably seeds too though I didn't see too many on my inspection), bits of cinnamon stick, and other goodies. Lots going on. The blend has an inviting spicy scent, with baking spices and coconut making up a hefty aromatic rearguard.

I used a tablespoon of the blend to 24 ounces of boiling water and let steep for 5 minutes.

Coco Spice is spicy without too much of a bite - more a poke in the nose than a punch. It's nice. The coconut fills in and rounds out the flavor. Despite the numerous cloves and peppercorns, the spice is kind of mellow and mild overall. As you continue drinking, a bit of tickle develops in the rear of your throat which is lingering and rather pleasant. The coconut is soft, mellow and toasty. Quite nice. I wouldn't say this is primarily a coconut tea, and one looking for a coconut tea should be advised that this blend is quite balanced in terms of flavors, and there are lots of ingredients hanging in this particular balance.

Perhaps even more than coconut, pepper is the most prevalent taste feature, and it lingers on a while, giving this blend a lot of interest while you are sipping and afterwards. This blend is somewhat reminiscent of a chai blend with all the spices. Enjoyable and perhaps a nice drink to brew up a big pot of at a holiday get together. It could probably be spiked. It could also serve as a nice hot drink in lieu of or in addition to a mulled wine or cider, or make a nice drink for designated drivers or those not preferring alcohol. It's also just a nice tea to enjoy with family or on your own in the evening.

Spice lovers will find this a tasty treat. Overall, I found this to be more of a spice tea than coconut tea. I could definitely sense the seasonal influence.

For fans of Zhena's Coconunt Chai (I suspect there are a few of you out there) - this will be one of her blends that you will definitely want to try. Don't worry, Christmas is only 7 months away.

— To purchase Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Christmas Coco Spice, 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.