The New York Times just reported that, in spite of the global economic downturn, sales of gourmet teas are surprisingly strong. Could it be because tea seems like a small, yet very comforting, and even healthy, indulgence?
But while I love all things chocolatey, I hadn’t thought of chocolate-TEA until Republic of Tea sent me an email about two new teas, Double Dark Chocolate Maté (in the mug at left) and Coconut Cocoa. Hmmmm.
While I’ve never been a fan of flavored coffees (to me they taste of harsh extracts), I was intrigued, and received a sample of the Chocolate Maté , plus a sample of one of their red teas, Caramel Apple, made with rooibos (ROY-BOSS), which is very popular right now. These are herbal teas, but yerba maté does have a small amount of caffeine.
I enjoyed both! Then I shared them at the office where they quickly disappeared. Both would be good with a little warm or steamed milk mixed in. The Caramel Apple was a pleasant surprise, because the flavor was gentle and natural tasting. Perfect for fall, of course. The Double Dark Chocolate Maté also pleased – a little tea-ish/a little chocolatey, I liked the combination, and was glad to find that it has a mere 6 calories, in spite of the carob and cocoa in the ingredients. If you have fall/holiday gifts to give, pay that website a visit. Of course they have an amazing variety of teas (many available in local stores I might add), but they also offer a very nice collection of well-designed gift items with an emphasis on global crafts.
And remember that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Republic of Tea has a Sip for the Cure collection that benefits Susan G. Komen with special pink-themed teas (Red Cherry White, Pink Lady Apple, Pink Grapefruit, Pomengranate Vanilla Red), and a mug to go with – definite gift basket material, and…it’s chari-TEA!
NJ SPICE 