The first half plus one of the year has passed and the eighth month of the year is beginning, a time for teas to beat the heat. Some teas and herbals to help you get things going:

1 Perfect for Serving with Ice: Lemon Black Tea – Loose Leaf Pouches

A refreshing medium black tea is livened with natural lemon flavor that cleanses the palate. Add sugar and serve iced to beat that August heat! For the best flavor, steep for 2-5 minutes in water that has been brought to a rolling boil. Ingredients: Black tea, Pineapple and Lime pieces, Lemongrass leaves, Calendula and Sunflower petals, and Natural flavors

2 Chill out while you listen to Irish New Age Star Enya’s song “China Roses” and sip: Taylors of Harrogate China Rose Petal Tea

Orange Pekoe black tea, scented with rose petals, is known as “rose congou.” The tea is the large-leaf variety and is fully oxidized. The rose petals are stirred into the tea as it is dried, imparting it with a sweet gentle fragrance. This is a delightful soothing tea, suitable for afternoon drinking. History of Taylors of Harrogate.

3 Stay cool, calm, and regal: Lady Londonderry Tea – Loose Leaf Pouches

A delightful afternoon tea with a malty floral flavor and hints of strawberry and lemon. A fine black tea, dried orange, daisy white and natural flavors combine for that aristocrat feeling, whether served hot or iced. With its light and elegant flavor, Lady Londonderry will be a hit with the ladies and gentlemen attending your special “beat the heat” tea time. Ingredients: Black tea, Calendula and Sunflower petals, Lemon balm leaves, Strawberry pieces, Natural flavors

4 Tastes to Keep You Lively During the Wilting Heat: Exotic Fruits – Loose Leaf Sampler

A sampler pack to give you a chance to have flavor variety in your iced tea and really perk you up during the heat. For the best flavor, these teas should be steeped for 2-5 minutes in water that has been brought to a boil.

Flavors include these (but substitutions may be made according to availability):

• Island Coconut Naturally Flavored Black Tea
• Brazilian Guava Tea
• Hawaiian Colada Flavored Rooibos
• Tangiers Lemon Flavored White Tea
• Orange Spice Naturally Flavored Black Tea
• Pomegranate Hibiscus Flavored Green Tea

5 Blooming was never easier: Flowering Tea – Mystere – Oolong Tea

No need to weed and prune and fertilize and chase away the pests. This bloom only needs hot water and a suitable vessel. Blooms of amaranth and nasturtium are combined with Ginseng Oolong tea. The flavor is intricate and colorful, with hints of peach and rose flavor, and finishes with a pleasing astringency that lingers in the mouth like a fine wine. To steep, place one flowering tea ball in a 3-4 cup teapot, and add boiling water. Infuse until the ball is fully open (about 5 minutes). Be sure to use a strainer when pouring the liquid into your cup. (The tea pot is sold separately.)

Hope you get to try some of these during August to your heat level at a reasonable level!

See more of A.C. Cargill’s articles here.

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