February 23rd, 2011

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea

I’m not much of a coffee drinker.  I’ll take a fancy flavored coffee from a coffee shop now and again, but I have never developed the habit of drinking coffee every morning.  People told me I would start when I chose to major in English.  They said I’d start when I started teaching high school English.  Still, it wasn’t until I had children that I even entertained the idea of coffee as a habit.

Right around this time, I discovered Zhena’s Gypsy Tea.  I like the idea of getting my morning caffeine from tea rather than coffee, and I like that her teas are not only organic but also fair trade certified.  Zhena started the company as a young mother struggling to find a way to pay for a medical procedure for her new baby boy, which spoke to me as a new mom.  Plus, the tins are truly beautiful.

Zhena makes an amazing variety of teas, from traditional Earl Greys to exotic blended teas like Mojito Mint.  In the morning, I like to get my caffeine from her Coconut Chai or Green Tea Coconut Chai.  In the evenings, I love the Fire Light Chai (sensing a trend?), and I am currently addicted to Caramel Apple.  Peppermint Joy is perfect when I am sick, and Pumpkin Spice is delightful with a spoonful of honey on a cold day.  Hubby, who drinks his coffee black, is a fan of the Luminous Lemon.  Every time I order tea I try to include one “new” variety, and I’ve never been disappointed.

The line also includes “biodynamic” teas and a line of “pink” teas formulated for women’s health.  There are teas in hemp bags or cornsilk bags as well as loose leaf teas, by the tin or as refills. You can find Zhena’s Gypsy Teas online, in limited grocery stores (Whole Foods and Safeway in San Jose carry them), or at Cost Plus World Market.  To find the entire line, though, the company’s website is your best bet.

Considering that the teas are organic, fair trade, and come in beautiful reusable tins, they really are a bargain.  My tea times have become a calming ritual in the chaos of my life as the mother of two small children.  Join me for a cup, won’t you?  If you can narrow down your favorite, I’ll be impressed.

(Available at www.gypsytea.com)

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